Performance Analysis of Floating Cover Technologies for Air Emission Control in Lab-Scale Swine Slurry Pits | American Journal of Philological Sciences

Authors

Dr. Chinedu Okafor

Department of Philological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Language Studies, Niger Delta Institute of Humanities, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Dr. Amina Bello

Department of Applied Philology and Literary Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Savannah State University of Arts and Culture, Kano, Nigeria

Keywords:

Floating covers Swine slurry Ammonia emission

Abstract

The management of gaseous emissions from swine production systems remains a significant environmental challenge due to the release of ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and odor-causing compounds during slurry storage and handling. These emissions contribute to air quality degradation, ecological impacts, and occupational health concerns within livestock production environments. Floating cover technologies have emerged as a potential mitigation strategy by creating a physical barrier between stored slurry and the atmosphere, thereby reducing gaseous transfer processes. This study presents a performance analysis framework for evaluating floating cover technologies applied to lab-scale swine slurry pits, focusing on their effectiveness in controlling ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions. The research integrates theoretical emission mechanisms, manure management principles, and comparative assessment approaches derived from existing studies on emission reduction strategies. The analysis considers cover functionality, gas diffusion limitation, operational performance, and environmental implications. Previous research indicates that nutritional management, slurry treatment, cooling approaches, and biological control systems can influence emission generation; however, floating covers provide a direct intervention at the emission source. The findings suggest that floating cover systems represent an effective supplementary technology for reducing air pollutant release from slurry storage units, although their performance depends on material characteristics, coverage efficiency, and interaction with slurry properties. The study contributes a structured evaluation approach for future optimization of floating cover systems in sustainable swine waste management.

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