Education

Research Description

Catalytic Conversion of Animal Manure into Biochar and Liquid Oils, Catalytic Oxidation of Lignin Into Value-Added Aromatics - CBERD Core Project, Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds from Swine Facilities via Adsorption: Technical and Economical Evaluation, Manure Belt Collection System and Energy Recovery System, Modeling Airflow in the Brooks Gasification Process, Spawning Activity of Mud Minnows (Fundulus heteroclitis) in Tank-based Systems for the Production of Baitfi,

Publications

A review of the impact of environmental factors on the fate and transport of coronaviruses in aqueous environments

Paul, D., Kolar, P., & Hall, S. G. (2021). [Review of , ]. NPJ CLEAN WATER, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-020-00096-w

Characterization data of N-doped biochars using different external nitrogen precursors

Kasera, N., Hall, S., & Kolar, P. (2021, April), DATA IN BRIEF, Vol. 35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2021.106870

Pretreatment of Switchgrass for Production of Glucose via Sulfonic Acid-Impregnated Activated Carbon

Ansanay, Y., Kolar, P., Sharma-Shivappa, R., Cheng, J., & Arellano, C. (2021), PROCESSES, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030504

Effect of cellulolytic enzyme binding on lignin isolated from alkali and acid pretreated switchgrass on enzymatic hydrolysis

Jung, W., Sharma-Shivappa, R., Park, S., & Kolar, P. (2020), 3 BIOTECH, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-019-1978-z

Recycled eggshells as precursors for iron-impregnated calcium oxide catalysts for partial oxidation of methane

Karoshi, G., Kolar, P., Shah, S. B., & Gilleskie, G. (2020), BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-020-00336-4

Baseline characterization data for raw rice husk

Kolar, P., & Jin, H. (2019, August), DATA IN BRIEF, Vol. 25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2019.104219

Effect of Enzyme Interaction with Lignin Isolated from Pretreated Miscanthus x giganteus on Cellulolytic Efficiency

Jung, W., Sharma-Shivappa, R., & Kolar, P. (2019), PROCESSES, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/pr7100755

Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Pretreatment on Lignin Monomeric Components of Miscanthus x giganteus and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Jung, W., Savithri, D., Sharma-Shivappa, R., & Kolar, P. (2019), WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-019-00859-8

Effects of Co-occurring Species Present in Swine Lagoons on Adsorption of Copper on Eggshell

Hess, B. J., Kolar, P., Classen, J. J., Knappe, D., & Cheng, J. J. (2019), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, 13(4), 613–622. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-019-00203-x

Physicochemical data of p-cresol, butyric acid, and ammonia

Kolar, P., Classen, J., & Hall, S. G. (2019, October), DATA IN BRIEF, Vol. 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2019.104356

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Grants

Identification of early indicators of Necrotic enteritis disease in broiler chickens

United States Poultry & Egg Association(9/01/21 - 8/31/22)

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Identification of early indicators of Necrotic enteritis disease in broiler chickens

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 9/01/21

End Date: 8/31/22

Abstract

Problem: In this age of ‘no antibiotic ever’ farming, the re-emerging Necrotic enteritis (NE) disease caused by Clostridium perfringens have posed a major economically important health concern in poultry, particularly in the broiler population. Identifying early-stage indicators of NE can help initiate prompt disease control measures, thus enabling judicious use of antibiotics on the broiler farms. Research has shown a significant correlation between the pattern and concentrations of specific class of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as reduced Sulphur compounds (RSC) and the occurrence of various enteric diseases. With the aid of USPOULTRY funding, we have previously developed a portable low-cost sensor system for measuring ammonia in poultry houses. Here, we propose to identify early-stage NE-specific VOC, specifically RSC in the air, as physiological markers of NE development. Furthermore, our findings will be applied for developing a method suitable for identifying rapid and reliable NE detection precision tech-tools. Objective : To identify specific VOC/ RSC patterns associated with early NE stages and develop a method suitable for devising rapid and reliable precision-based air-analysis tools. Approach: We will first reproduce NE in broilers using an experimental C. perfringens challenge model. Next, the subtle changes in the air VOC, including RSC composition during different stages of NE disease progression will be evaluated using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique and identify specific VOC pattern associated with the early stages of NE. Finally, we will validate GC-MS method findings with precision portable handheld VOC sensor devices. Industry value: The proposed work aims to identify specific VOC/RSC patterns associated with early stages C. perfringens infections with high reliability and thus, aid in developing an effective sensor-based platform for rapid detection of NE. This work is industry application oriented such that our science and technology interface would yield value-added means for the poultry producers to use in empowering them to grow chickens with no or judicious use of on-farm antibiotics.

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Miscanthus Biochar Potential as A Poultry Litter Amendment

NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services(3/31/21 - 9/30/22)

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Miscanthus Biochar Potential as A Poultry Litter Amendment

Sponsor: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Start Date: 3/31/21

End Date: 9/30/22

Abstract

The goal of this project is to identify a valuable use for bioenergy bioenergy byproduct (biochar) within the NC poultry sector. Such use can improve the economic outlook of miscanthus adoption as well as its utilization in bioenergy generation. As such, this project aims at assessing the benefits of using miscanthus-derived biochar as a poultry litter additive. Poultry litter additives are typically used to reduce litter ammonia concentration, as well as control pathogenic microorganisms and reduce pests which, without intervention, can reduce poultry productivity and welfare. Currently, the industry relies on commercial treatment additives, such as alum or PLT ®, which can be a significant cost to production and require repeated additions to maintain benefits. This project aims at assessing the impact of biochar production conditions and treatment on ammonia emissions from broiler litter.

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Demonstration of a Low-Cost Engineered Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System for Reducing Odor Emissions from Livestock Barns

NC Department of Justice (NCDOJ)(1/01/21 - 12/31/23)

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Demonstration of a Low-Cost Engineered Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System for Reducing Odor Emissions from Livestock Barns

Sponsor: NC Department of Justice (NCDOJ)

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/23

Abstract

North Carolina is the biggest producer of confined livestock, poultry and swine. While confined livestock production is economically efficient, it can have substantial environmental impacts, on soil, water, and air qualities. Emissions from livestock barns have significant impacts on the environment, public health, and quality of life, particularly, due to odors. Odor emission have resulted in multiple lawsuits and judgments against the NC swine industry, that have the potential to damage the sustainability of the swine industry and perhaps, poultry industry. This may even damage NC's agricultural economy. The low-cost windbreak wall - vegetative strip system has been shown to reduce odor emissions by nearly 80% 10 m in front of swine and poultry house fans. The system comprises of a mosquito screen covering all the exhaust fans framed with dimension lumber. A 30-cm opening under the front screen prevents excessive pressure rise and is screened by a strip of switchgrass that traps dust and absorbs odorous gases. The system reduces exhaust emissions through the front screen and increases emissions through the top and sides, and thus improves dilution and reduce horizontal odor transport. Since dust transports odorous gases, the system also reduces odor emissions by trapping dust. The system also reduces water pollution by reducing dust collection in drainage swales between barns that can be transported into receiving waters. We propose to demonstrate the system in a swine and broiler barn to stakeholders to increase the use and adoption of this low-cost system to reduce odor emissions and increase sustainability of confined livestock production in NC.

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Systems-Based Integrated Program for Enhancing the Sustainability of Antibiotic-Restricted Poultry Production

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - National Institute of Food and Agriculture(9/15/20 - 9/14/21)

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Systems-Based Integrated Program for Enhancing the Sustainability of Antibiotic-Restricted Poultry Production

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Start Date: 9/15/20

End Date: 9/14/21

Abstract

Dr. Thakur will be responsible for the overall coordination and successful completion of the relevant project objectives that will be carried out in NC. He has extensive experience in conducting epidemiological based studies and will lead this project. He will be responsible for coordinating the sampling effort in NC, sample processing and pathogen isolation followed by characterization of the isolates. Dr. Thakur lab has the necessary infrastructure to perform phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates. His lab has an Illumina MiSeq that will be used for the 16sRNA and metagenomic sequencing of the samples collected in the proposed study. Finally, he will work closely with the rest of the team and will communicate research results in a timely manner.

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FACT: Pigs, Poultry, the Planet, and Data-driven Problem Solving (P4)

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - National Institute of Food and Agriculture(2/15/19 - 2/14/24)

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FACT: Pigs, Poultry, the Planet, and Data-driven Problem Solving (P4)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Start Date: 2/15/19

End Date: 2/14/24

Abstract

This project will address the food animal production industry’s need for professionals and extension specialists who possess the skills needed to thrive in today’s data-rich world. The long-term goal of this project is to meet increasing meat demands across the global market through sustainable intensification, thereby also broadening export opportunities for American meat producers. To meet this goal and address a critical shortage of personnel who are data analytics-aware, the food animal production workforce needs to be modernized with professionals and extension specialists who possess data literacy and holistic problem-solving skills. We will create a 10-week summer program dedicated to supplying the workforce with students trained in these three proficiency areas. This summer program, titled the Pigs, Poultry, the Planet, and data-driven Problem Solving (P4) Summer Fellowship Program, will prepare undergraduate students for contemporary careers in food animal production, and specifically target the swine and poultry production industries.

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Ammonia Recovery from Swine Wastewater with Selective Membrane Technology

Murphy-Brown, LLC (was Murphy Farms)(9/20/12 - 8/31/16)

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Ammonia Recovery from Swine Wastewater with Selective Membrane Technology

Sponsor: Murphy-Brown, LLC (was Murphy Farms)

Start Date: 9/20/12

End Date: 8/31/16

Abstract

A common waste management technique in swine production is to use water to flush manure from under floor pits to a lagoon for anaerobic treatment and storage prior to land application as fertilizer. A large fraction of the ammonia nitrogen is lost in this system through volatilization from the lagoon and from the spray fields. With the high cost of nitrogen fertilizer and increased emphasis on preventing environmental and ecologIical contamination, many producers would welcome a system that makes better use of manure nutrients, particularly to fertilize animal feed crops. The swine production industry is widely dispersed relative to the primary production of corn and soybeans in the Midwest; therefore more efficient nutrient recovery must be accompanied by greater nutrient concentration to reduce transportation costs. A new process developed by USDA-ARS scientists (Vanotti, M.B. and Szogi, A.A, US Patent Application SN 13/164,363, June 20, 2011) includes the passage of gaseous (or free) ammonia through a microporous hydrophobic membrane and subsequent capture and concentration in an acidic stripping solution on the other side of the membrane. This project will demonstrate this gas permeable ammonia-selective membrane system in three different manure collection systems: the NCSU under floor belt system (current CIG demonstration under NRCS Agreement #69-3A75-10-165), an under floor scraper system, and a mesophilic anaerobic digester. The purpose of the project is to remove at least 50% of the ammonia nitrogen in a concentrated form that can be economically moved off the farm and managed as a valuable resource. The project plan is to develop a modular mobile membrane ammonia recovery system with appropriate tanks, pumps and supplies; this mobile system will be moved to each of three sites where effluent will be stored in an on-site tank. The membrane ammonia recovery module will be connected into the on-site tank and ammonia will be removed into the acid solution on the mobile unit. Evaluation will quantify the mass and fraction of ammonia removal, the mass and fraction of ammonia left for on-site application, the final concentration, and the required processing time. Economic analysis will predict the value of the final product and the cost at different distances from the farm at different fuel price points. The project is innovative in that this is the first viable system to concentrate ammonia nitrogen for better management rather than removing wastewater or reducing the ammonia to nitrogen gas. We expect to develop design and operational guidelines in order to transfer this technology for adaptation as an on-farm system or expand the system to treat larger amounts of wastewater. This project builds on both the existing CIG demonstration of the under floor belt system and the patented work of USDA-ARS scientists.

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Ammonia Recovery from Swine Wastewater with Selective Membrane Technology

NC Pork Council(9/20/12 - 8/31/16)

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Ammonia Recovery from Swine Wastewater with Selective Membrane Technology

Sponsor: NC Pork Council

Start Date: 9/20/12

End Date: 8/31/16

Abstract

A common waste management technique in swine production is to use water to flush manure from under floor pits to a lagoon for anaerobic treatment and storage prior to land application as fertilizer. A large fraction of the ammonia nitrogen is lost in this system through volatilization from the lagoon and from the spray fields. With the high cost of nitrogen fertilizer and increased emphasis on preventing environmental and ecological contamination, many producers would welcome a system that makes better use of manure nutrients, particularly to fertilize animal feed crops. The swine production industry is widely dispersed relative to the primary production of corn and soybeans in the Midwest; therefore more efficient nutrient recovery must be accompanied by greater nutrient concentration to reduce transportation costs. A new process developed by USDA-ARS scientists (Vanotti, M.B. and Szogi, A.A, US Patent Application SN 13/164,363, June 20, 2011) includes the passage of gaseous (or free) ammonia through a microporous hydrophobic membrane and subsequent capture and concentration in an acidic stripping solution on the other side of the membrane. This project will demonstrate this gas permeable ammonia-selective membrane system in three different manure collection systems: the NCSU under floor belt system (current CIG demonstration under NRCS Agreement #69-3A75-10-165), an under floor scraper system, and a mesophilic anaerobic digester. The purpose of the project is to remove at least 50% of the ammonia nitrogen in a concentrated form that can be economically moved off the farm and managed as a valuable resource. The project plan is to develop a modular mobile membrane ammonia recovery system with appropriate tanks, pumps and supplies; this mobile system will be moved to each of three sites where effluent will be stored in an on-site tank. The membrane ammonia recovery module will be connected into the on-site tank and ammonia will be removed into the acid solution on the mobile unit. Evaluation will quantify the mass and fraction of ammonia removal, the mass and fraction of ammonia left for on-site application, the final concentration, and the required processing time. Economic analysis will predict the value of the final product and the cost at different distances from the farm at different fuel price points. The project is innovative in that this is the first viable system to concentrate ammonia nitrogen for better management rather than removing wastewater or reducing the ammonia to nitrogen gas. We expect to develop design and operational guidelines in order to transfer this technology for adaptation as an on-farm system or expand the system to treat larger amounts of wastewater. This project builds on both the existing CIG demonstration of the under floor belt system and the patented work of USDA-ARS scientists.

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Combined Heat Recovery and Ammonia Control System for Broiler Brooding

United States Poultry & Egg Association(1/01/15 - 12/01/17)

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Combined Heat Recovery and Ammonia Control System for Broiler Brooding

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 1/01/15

End Date: 12/01/17

Abstract

During brooding, temperature difference of up to 20ï‚°F between the ceiling and floor of a poultry house during brooding can cause substantial heat loss through the ceiling and increase cost of heating to the producer. This temperature stratification and energy use can be greatly reduced using mixing fans but recirculating the warm air collecting near the ceiling to the chicks or poults near the floor also brings down the ammonia-laden air into the breathing zone of the birds. Combining the heat recovery unit with an ammonia filtration system could reduce energy use as well as ammonia concentrations at bird height and may thus improve bird performance. Reduced propane use would also reduce CO2, CO, and water vapor concentrations inside the barn and may thus provide additional benefits to the birds. The proposed heat recovery and ammonia control (HRAC) system will consist of a fan and a filter. The filter will be a thin layer of acidified activated carbon (AC) which can sorb ammonia and amines (very odorous) and can be added back into the litter to recycle the nitrogen. Lab tests will be conducted to select the proper AC medium and to design the filter system. The HRAC will be designed using computational fluid dynamics for cost-effectiveness. Five units of the HRAC will be fabricated and after lab testing, will be deployed in the brood chamber of broiler houses for testing. Energy use, inside environmental conditions, bird performance, and litter moisture content will be compared between the test (with five HRAC) and adjacent, identical control houses. Testing will be performed for both the fall and winter flocks on farm with radiant brooders and the less-efficient pancake brooders. Based on research by others on different methods of air-mixing, with the HRAC, a 30% reduction in propane use is feasible. There is no research on the impact of reducing ammonia, CO2, CO, and water vapor concentrations at bird height on bird performance but given the impact of air quality and litter moisture on bird performance, improvements in bird performance is expected.

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Engineered windbreak wall - Negetative Strip System to Reduce Pollutant and Odor Emissions from Mechanically-Ventilated Broiler and Swine Barns

US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)(9/29/14 - 12/31/18)

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Engineered windbreak wall - Negetative Strip System to Reduce Pollutant and Odor Emissions from Mechanically-Ventilated Broiler and Swine Barns

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)

Start Date: 9/29/14

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

The likelihood of the EPA regulating air pollutant emissions and local pressure to control odors necessitate the use of cost-effective methods to treat swine barn exhaust. Currently there are no cost-effective technologies for treating exhaust from livestock barns. We propose an engineered windbreak wall - vegetative strip system where the exhaust from the barn would be partially treated in a vegetative strip causing the free- and particle-bound gases to settle out, permitting the soil and plants to assimilate these pollutants. The windbreak wall would also facilitate dilution of the exhaust to reduce odors. The system would be designed using computational fluid dynamics software, then tested in the lab, and finally installed and monitored over 24 months at commercial swine and broiler farms in Lillington, NC. In addition to evaluation reduction in gas and particulate matter concentrations in the exhaust, changes in chemical concentrations will be monitored in the plants and soil will be compared with "control treatment" samples. The cost-effectiveness of this system, expressed in $/kg of pollutant reduced will be calculated.

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Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Lingnin to High-Value Aromatics

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)(7/01/14 - 7/01/15)

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Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Lingnin to High-Value Aromatics

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)

Start Date: 7/01/14

End Date: 7/01/15

Abstract

The goal of this SBIR proposal is convert model lignin compounds into aromatic chemicals. Faraday Technologies, Inc., will provide overall leadership on this proposal whereas NCSU will provide technical assistance with respect to synthesis of platinum/carbon catalysts and analysis of experimental samples. If successful, this research will allow for production of high value chemicals from lignin streams.

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