What is Ammonia Nitrogen?

Ammonia nitrogen refers to the nitrogen present in water in the forms of free ammonia (NH3) and ammonium ions (NH4+). Generally, animal-based organic matter contains a higher nitrogen content compared to plant-based organic matter. Nitrogenous compounds in human and animal waste are often unstable and can easily decompose into ammonia. Ammonia nitrogen acts as a nutrient in aquatic environments, potentially leading to a phenomenon known as eutrophication, which causes excessive growth of algae. It is also a major oxygen-depleting pollutant in water bodies, posing a toxic threat to fish and certain aquatic organisms. Regarding human health, ammonia nitrogen can convert into nitrites under specific conditions. Long-term consumption of water with nitrites can result in these compounds combining with proteins to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens and can be extremely detrimental to human health.

Yosemitech Ammonium Sensor Types

Yosemitech supply one type of Self-cleaning Ammonium Sensor and one type of Online Ammonia Probe for Water Quality. Our Ammonium Sensor and Probe for Water provide high-precision measurement and are built to withstand the harshest applications, requiring minimum maintenance and helping you achieve increased efficiency and reduced operating costs. 

Why We Need to Measure Ammonia Nitrogen?

Environmental Protection: The presence of ammonia nitrogen in water bodies can have significant ecological impacts. High levels of ammonia can be toxic to aquatic life, especially fish and invertebrates. By measuring ammonia nitrogen concentrations, regulatory bodies and environmental scientists can assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and take necessary actions to mitigate pollution. Regular monitoring helps in setting water quality standards and implementing strategies to reduce harmful discharges.

Nutrient Management: Ammonia nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plant growth, but excessive amounts can lead to eutrophication, a process that causes harmful algal blooms in water bodies. These blooms can deplete oxygen in the water, leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. Measuring ammonia nitrogen levels allows for better management of fertilizers in agriculture and helps in maintaining a balance in nutrient levels in both agricultural fields and natural water systems.

Wastewater Treatment: In wastewater treatment facilities, monitoring ammonia nitrogen is vital for optimizing treatment processes. Ammonia is typically found in high concentrations in sewage and industrial effluents. Measuring NH3-N levels helps engineers and operators manage biological treatment processes, such as nitrification and denitrification, ensuring that ammonia is removed effectively before the wastewater is discharged into the environment. This is crucial for meeting regulatory discharge limits and protecting public health.

Indicator of System Performance: In both natural and engineered systems, the concentration of ammonia nitrogen can serve as an indicator of biological activity and system performance. For instance, in aquaculture, monitoring ammonia levels helps operators maintain a healthy environment for fish. In natural systems, fluctuations in ammonia levels can indicate changes in organic matter decomposition or shifts in microbial populations, offering insights into ecosystem dynamics.

Public Health and Safety: High levels of ammonia nitrogen in drinking water can pose health risks to humans, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and infants. Monitoring ammonia levels ensures that water treatment facilities can take appropriate measures to remove contaminants, thus safeguarding public health and ensuring safe drinking water supplies.

Ammonia Sensor for Water Working Principle

The ammonia probe operates based on the ion-selective electrode method for measuring ammonia nitrogen levels. Its principle involves converting ammonia nitrogen ions into ammonium ions. The sensor takes advantage of the fact that ammonium ions can generate hydroxide ions in alkaline solutions. By measuring the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, the concentration of ammonia nitrogen can be calculated.

FAQS

1. How to Calibrate Ammonia Sensor?

Related Articles:

https://e.yosemitech.com/industry/Ammonia-VS-Ammonium.html