Hydrogen sulphide inhibition in cattle slurry by use of an oxygen based slurry amendment

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is a malodorous gas that is produced in anaerobic environments where sulphur containing matter is present. Globally, farms in which liquid manure/slurry is stored is a source of H₂S which can lead to many acute and chronic health problems and even death. Farming is one of the most dangerous professions globally and reducing the risk of sulphide poisoning on farms will help ensure a safer work environment. The inhibition of H₂S production from cattle slurry may also reduce air pollution. In this study, a series of slurry storage experiments were conducted. The first experiment treated 20 L of cattle slurry bi-monthly using a mix of hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide as well as calcium chloride, while the second experiment treated 660 L in which the same treatments and schedule were used. A small-scale storage trial was carried out over 29 days in which slurry was treated as before and sulphate concentrations were measured repeatedly. A maximum inhibition of H₂S concentrations of 87 % and 81 % was recorded from the 20 L and the 660 L storage experiments, respectively. The treatment did not affect sulphate concentrations in slurry which are critical for plant growth.