Ammonia Test Kits
Ammonia Test Kits
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 1426-08, Ammonia Nitrogen in Water, Test Method A. APHA Standard Methods, 18th ed., Method 4500-NH3 C – 1988.
The water ammonia 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.
The Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol (HBA) 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 water ammonia test kit that employs the Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol chemistry, free ammonia reacts with hypochlorite to form monochloramine. Monochloramine reacts with HBA, in the presence of sodium nitroferricyanide, to form a green colored complex. This test method measures the sum of free ammonia and monochloramine. Results are expressed in ppm (mg/L) ammonia-nitrogen, NH3-N.The Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol Method offers sensitivity similar to the Nesslerization Method and there is no generation of mercury-containing waste.
Ammonia Test Kits Options
Ammonia 0-3.00 & 0-60.0 ppm (Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol Method HBA)
Part# K-1413
Shelf Life: 8 Months
Analysis Time: 6 Minutes
Kit comes in a cardboard box and contains everything needed to perform 30 tests (except distilled water): 30 ampoules, Stabilizer Solution, Catalyzer Solution, Activator Solution, 25 mL sample cup, 3 mL syringe, ampoule blank, and instructions.
Ammonia 0-7.00 ppm (Direct Nesslerization Method)*
Part# K-1503
Shelf Life: Although the Nessler reagent is stable, its high alkali content attacks the glass ampoule. The resulting precipitate interferes with color comparison. The Vacu-vials ampoules have a two-month shelf life when stored in the dark and at room temperature. This shelf life can be extended by 18 months if the refill is refrigerated.
Analysis Time: 2 Minutes
Kit comes in a cardboard box and contains everything needed to perform 30 tests: thirty ampoules, Stabilizer Solution, 25 mL sample cup, ampoule blank, and instructions.
*Seawater analysis requires A-1501 Stabilizer Solution (sold separately).
*Contains mercury. Dispose according to local, state or federal laws.
Ammonia 0-14.0 ppm (Direct Nesslerization Method)*
Part# K-1523
Shelf Life: Although the Nessler reagent is stable, its high alkali content attacks the glass ampoule. The resulting precipitate interferes with color comparison. The Vacu-vials ampoules have a two-month shelf life when stored in the dark and at room temperature. This shelf life can be extended by 18 months if the refill is refrigerated.
Analysis Time: 2 Minutes
Kit comes in a cardboard box and contains everything needed to perform 30 tests: thirty ampoules, Stabilizer Solution, 25 mL sample cup, ampoule blank, and instructions.
*Seawater analysis requires A-1501 Stabilizer Solution (sold separately).
*Contains mercury. Dispose according to local, state or federal laws.