Optimising non-specific sensor arrays for poultry emission monitoring using GC-MS/O

Continued population growth, expansion of poultry production and urban encroachment has resulted in increased odour complaints from local residents. Odour management has typically been based on buffer distances, however poultry expansion now requires accurate and reliable odour monitoring data for setting-up new broiler sheds and enlarging existing farms. Current olfactory and chemical based methods do not provide effective real-time monitoring, particularly for detecting unknown compounds. Senso-instrumental systems such as eNOSE offer potential odour monitoring opportunities, however current non-specific sensor array configurations are inappropriate for detecting the major contributing odorants to odour annoyance. GC-MS/O analysis of poultry shed emissions was used to identify the major contributing volatile organic compounds in terms of odour impact and chemical abundance. These compounds can now be used to develop sensor array configurations that detect odorous compounds associated with poultry shed emissions.