Mitigation of Particulate Matter and Airborne Pathogens in Swine Barn Emissions with Filtration and UV-A Photocatalysis

This study evaluated the use of filtration and UV-A photocatalysis for reduction particulate matter (PM) airborne bacterial pathogens in swine barns. Two MERV filters (8 15) were used to mitigate PM concentrations measured at 1, 2.5, respirable PM, 10 ranges. Filtration was also generate different levels be treated by UV-A. Results show that 8 15 effectively reduced (96–98%) air exhausted from a barn (p ranged <0.01 0.04). did not concentrations. treatment colony-forming units (CFUs) 15–95%. The CFU percent higher when concentration low. numeric results suggested real mitigation effect despite p-values meet usual statistical cut-off <0.05 significance due large variability control samples. Normalization pathogen smaller size range led emerging significant differences CFUs. A decrease (~51% reduction; p < 0.02) viable bacteria shown all below micron range.