Accuracy of SMDAE to Determine Ammonia Concentration in Animal Facilities in Hot Climates

Considering the importance of developing reliable methodologies and low cost methods to determine ammonia concentration in animal buildings the main objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of SMDAE (Saraz Method for Determination of Ammonia Emissions) to quantify the ammonia concentration inside of animal facilities located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results obtained with SMDAE were compared to those obtained by electrochemical sensors located inside of a controlled chamber with known concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm of ammonia. It can be concluded that the SMDAE is satisfactory accurate within the analyzed ranges. However, this accuracy is reduced for higher values of ammonia concentration. With this results an equation was adjusted for SMDAE to determine the concentration of ammonia in the environment.