LIFE-MEGA PROJECT

The LIFE-MEGA project is funded by the European Union within the Life Program 2018. The project actions will be realized between 1^st October 2019 and 30^th September 2022. The LIFE-MEGA project intends to implement in pig houses a microclimatic device able to continuously monitor and control the concentration of NH₃, CH₄, PM and VOCs. During the project this device will become capable of automatically activate the functioning of the abating systems for emissions control. For the abatement of gases and PM inside the pig barns, two different technologies will be tested: a prototype of a wet scrubber and a dry scrubber.

WHY LIFE-MEGA

Intensive pig farming makes up the majority of European swine production, but it has a heavy impact in terms of water, soil and air pollution. Large pig sheds develop poor air quality, with especially high levels of ammonia, methane, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. This poor air quality harms the health of both animals and workers.

Ammonia causes acidification of soil, nutrient N-enrichment of ecosystems, other than terrestrial and aquatic eutrophication. Moreover, in the atmosphere can produce N₂O or react with other substances to produce particulate matter.
Particulate matter is a threat to human health, being responsible for disorders and diseases of the cardio-respiratory system.
VOCs are often associated to dust particles and constitute an environmental issue related to intensive pig farming.

ACTIVITIES

The LIFE-MEGA project is funded by the European Union within the Life Program 2018. The project actions will be realized between 1^st October 2019 and 30^th September 2022.

The goals that LIFE-MEGA intends to achieve are:

01 MONITORING

Continuously monitor, also through the app, the quality of the air in the pig pens thanks to the use of microclimatic control units.

02 DEVELOPMENT

Develop and setup a wet scrubber prototype.

03 EFFECTIVENESS

Develop a microclimatic tool able to activate the scrubber systems, in order to maintain the concentration of NH3, CH4, PM below a threshold value.

04 WELFARE

Improve animal welfare and performance.

05 SUSTAINABILITY

Increase the environmental, social and economic sustainability of pig shelters that adopt filters for air treatment.

06 KNOWLEDGE

Spread the knowledge acquired during the project and the technologies developed in other European countries.

07 PROMOTION

Promote a sustainable model that can become replicable in other European contexts.

08 TRANSFERABILITY

Transfer the results to the largest number of farmers and actors in the pig sector.

09 IMPLEMENTATION

Contribute to the drafting of the Code of the best UNECE techniques available to reduce emissions from agriculture.

NETWORKING

LIFE-MEGA project promotes the exchange of information, experiences and good practices with other LIFE project financed by the European Union. Networking is necessary to build a network of contacts and mutual interests with the authorities and organizations involved in similar activities.