DEVELOPMENT OF A THICK-FILM AMMONIA SENSOR FOR LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS

A major environmental problem is the hindrance caused by agricultural activities related to livestock breeding, especially in the neighbourhood of urban settlements. It has been shown that the main part of the ammonia emission into the atmosphere in Europe is coming from livestock wastes. To measure, and control, the total ammonia emission from individual livestock buildings, as well as the indoor air quality in the various building compartments, low cost reliable ammonia sensors are required (in combination with a ventilation rate sensor for emission measurements). The development of an ammonia sensitive device is presented. The working range required for livestock buildings (0-150 ppm NH3) is covered by the sensor.