Ammonia
 
 
Visual Kits
Range MDL Method Kit Catalog No. Refill Catalog No.
0-20 ppm (up to 10,000 ppm with A-0188 Accessory) 0.125 ppm Salicylate K-1410 R-1401
0-1 & 1-10 ppm 0.05 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1510 R-1501
0-30 & 30-300 ppm 5 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1510D R-1501D
0-60 & 60-600 ppm 10 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1510A R-1501A
0-120 & 120-1200 ppm 20 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1510B R-1501B
0-1000 & 1000-10,000 ppm 100 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1510C R-1501C
Instrumental Kits
Range Method Kit Catalog No.
0.20-30.0 ppm (up to 15,000 ppm with A-0188 Accessory) Salicylate K-1403
0.50-7.00 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1503
1.0-14.0 ppm Direct Nesslerization K-1523

Methods

Low-level ammonia nitrogen may be naturally present in water as a result of the biological decay of plant and animal matter. Higher concentrations in surface waters can indicate contamination from waste treatment facilities, raw sewage, industrial effluents (particularly from petroleum refineries), or fertilizer runoff. Excessive ammonia concentrations are toxic to aquatic life.

 

The Direct Nesslerization Method

Reference: ASTM D 1426-03, Ammonia Nitrogen in Water, Test Method A. APHA Standard Methods, 18th ed., Method 4500-NH3 C (1992).


The test kits employing the well-established Nessler reagent* to determine ammonia concentrations are applicable to drinking water, clean surface water, good-quality nitrified wastewater effluent, and seawater. In some waters, calcium and magnesium concentrations can cause cloudiness of the reagent. Adding a few drops of stabilizer solution (Rochelle Salt) will prevent this cloudiness. References recommend distilling samples prior to analysis. Results are expressed as ppm (mg/L) ammonia-nitrogen, NH3-N.

Shelf-life: although the Nessler reagent is stable, its high alkali content attacks the glass ampoule. The resulting precipitate interferes with color comparison. We recommend stocking quantities of CHEMets® and VACUettes® ampoules that will be used within five months. A two-month supply of Vacu-vials ampoules is suggested. Refrigeration will dramatically extend the shelf-life of these products.

*Contains mercury. Dispose according to local, state or federal laws.

 

The Salicylate Method

References: Krom, Michael D., Spectrophotometric Determination of Ammonia: A Study of a Modified Berthelot Reduction Using Salicylate and Dichloroisocyanurate, The Analyst, V105, pp. 305-316, 1980.


In the ammonia test method that employs the Salicylate chemistry, free ammonia reacts with hypochlorite to form monochloramine. Monochloramine reacts with salicylate, in the presence of sodium nitro-ferricyanide, to form 5-aminosalicylate, a green-colored complex. This test method measures free ammonia and monochloramine. Results are expressed in ppm (mg/L) ammonia- nitrogen, NH3-N.

The Salicylate Method offers sensitivity similar to the Nesslerization Method and there is no generation of mercury-containing waste.