Emission of odorous and gaseous compounds such as hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) from livestock operations can be a major impediment to the expansion
of these facilities, especially in locations close to populated areas.
Occupational and environmental concerns, as well as stricter government
regulations, require the control of H2S emissions. A biological approach used
in the oil industry, in which nitrite and/or molybdate are added to control the
production of H2S in oil reservoirs, was shown to be effective in controlling
H2S emissions from swine manure. Low H2S
concentrations were maintained throughout the treatment using molybdate,
but with nitrite, concentrations increased again after a few days.