Nitrogen, Ammonia Test

Introduction
Ammonia nitrogen ( NH3-N ) with free ammonia or ammonium salt ( NH3 ) ( NH4 + )
in water, their composition depends on the pH value of water. When the pH value is
too high, a higher proportion of free ammonia. Conversely, the ammonia proportion
is high.

The main sources of ammonia nitrogen in sewage of organic compounds containing

nitrogen by microorganism decomposition products, some industrial wastewater,
such as water cooking wastewater wand ammonia fertilizer plant wastewater, as
well as farmland drainage. In addition, in the anaerobic environment, water in the
presence of the nitrate and the role of micro-organism, reduction to ammonia. In
aerobic environments, ammonia can be transformed into nitrite, and even continue
to change into nitrate.

Determination of various forms of nitrogen compounds, contribute to the evaluation

of water pollution and ‘self-purification` status. High ammonia content, can be
showed toxic effects on fish.

Test preparation

Instrument specific information

The table in this section shows all of the instrument that have the program for this
test. Table 1 shows sample cell and orientation requirement for reagent addition
test, such as powder pillow or bulk reagent tests.

To use the table, select an instrument, then read across to find the corresponding
information for this test.
 Table 1 Instrument-specific information for powder pillows.

Instrument Sample cell orientation Sample cell

DR 6000 The fill line is to 2495402
DR 3800 the right.
DR 2800
DR 2700
DR 5000 The fill line is towards
DR 3900 the user. 10 mL
DR 900 The orientation mark is 2401906
towards the user.

-25 mL
-20 mL

-10 mL

Before starting
Install the instrument cap on the DR 900 cell holder before ZERO or READ is pushed.

The reagent that are used in this test contains sodium nitroferricyanide. Keep cyanide
solution at pH > 11 to prevent exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas. Collect the reacted
samples for proper disposal.

Keep the samples sealed at all times to prevent ammonia contamination from the air.

Review the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for the chemicals that are used and use any
recommended personal protective equipment.

Dispose of reacted solution according to local, state and federal regulation. Use the Safety
Data Sheets for disposal information for unused reagents. Consult the environmental,
health and safety staff for your facility and/or local regulatory agencies for further disposal.
Items to collect
Description Quantity
Ammonia Cyanurate Reagent Powder Pillow, 10-mL 2
Ammonia Salicylate Reagent Powder Pillow, 10-mL 2
Stopper for 18-mm tubes and AccuVac Ampuls 2
Sample cells (For information about sample cells, adapter or light shields, refer
to instrument specific on page 1.) 2

Refer to Consumables and replacement items on page 5 for reorder information.

Sample collection and storage

 Collect samples in clean glass or plastic bottles.

 If the sample contains chlorine, add one drop 0.1 N sodium thiosulfate to 1
litre of sample to remove each 0.3 mg/L of chlorine.
 To preserve samples for later analysis, adjust the sample pH to less than 2
with concentrated sulphuric acid (about 2 mL per litre). No acid addition is
necessary if the sample is tested immediately.
 Keep the preserved samples at or below 6 °C (43 °F) for up to 28 days.
 Let the sample temperature increase to room temperature before analysis.
 Before analysis, adjust the pH to 7 with 5.0 N sodium hydroxide standard
solution.
 Correct the test result for the dilution from the volume addition.

Powder pillow procedure

1. Start program 385 N, Ammonia, Salic. For information about sample cells, adapters
or light shield, refer to Instrument specific information on page 1.
Note : Although the program name may vary between instruments, the program
number does not change.
2. Prepare the blank : Fill a sample cell with 10 mL of deionized water.
3. Prepare the sample : Fill a second sample cell with 10 mL of sample.
4. Add the contents of one Ammonia Salicylate powder pillow to each sample cell.
5. Close the sample cell. Shake to dissolve the reagent (Up and Down).
6. Start the instrument timer. A 3-minutes reaction time starts.
7. After the timer expires, add the contents of one Ammonia Cyanurate powder pillow
to each sample cell.
8. Close the sample cell. Shake to dissolve the reagent (Up and Down).
9. Start the instrument timer. A 15-minutes reaction time start. A green colour shows
when ammonia-nitrogen is present.
10. When the timer expires, clean the blank.
11. Insert the blank into the cell holder.
 12. Push ZERO. The display shows 0.00 mg/L NH –N.
13. Clean the prepared sample.
14. Insert the prepared sample into the cell holder.
15. Push READ. Result show in mg/L NH –N.

Data analysis

Number of Types of wastewater sample

sample Drain water Lake water Pipe water
Sample 1 0.73 mg/L 0.59 mg/L 0.56 mg/L

Conclusion
From the test that we have done, we can conclude that ammonia in steam condensates and
demineralizer effluents can be determined. We have done three types of samples such as
pipe water, drain water, and lake water. The highest of ammonia contains is drain water
that is 0.73 mg/L and the lowest is pipe water, that is 0.56 mg/L. For the lake water, the
ammonia’s contain is 0.59 mg/L. Drain water is highest because wastewater is thrown from
the food court in PSA. Pipe water is lowest because that water cured by chlorine.
APPARATUS AND MATERIALS