Thesis Title:
Chemically-enhanced gravitational solid/liquid separation for the management of phosphorus in liquid hog-manure
Project Description:
Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are two main plant nutrients that cause the deterioration of water quality when they find their way to water bodies after land application of livestock manure, a process known as eutrophication. Repeated application of untreated manure may lead to increased risk of P loss to the environment. Removal of suspended solids from manure using solid-liquid separation technique prior to land application can reduce the impact that manure application can have on the environment. The separation leads to the production of a liquid fraction, which has reduced P content and an increased N: P ratio when compared to the untreated slurry. The liquid fraction can be utilized by spreading within the immediate farm area without increasing the soil P level. This corresponds to the plants’ nutrient requirement and reduces P loss to the environment. The volume of the solid fraction is reduced and has a high P and organic matter contents. The solid can be hauled to distant P deficient areas where it’s better utilized. Chemical treatment of swine manure followed by gravitational separation show promises of improving the removal of P and suspended solids.
The objectives of this study are to:
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Evaluate the effectiveness of metal salts and a cationic polymer in improving solids and P removal from liquid swine manure of varying solids content
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Quantify the partitioning of P, N and metal cations in the separated solids vs. the liquid fraction
Significance:
This research is funded by the Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI). It seeks to provide information to hog farmers on an alternative method for manure –handling and nutrient management in swine manure. Result will be use in the fabrication of settling tank to be use on hog farms.
Supervisor:
Expected Date of Completion:
January 2012
Previous Degree:
B. Agric. Soil Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (2007)
Email: