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 . References: ASTM D 1426-08, Ammonia Nitrogen in Water, Test Method A. APHA Standard Methods, 18th ed., Method 4500-NH3 C-1988. The test kits employing the well-established Nessler reagent to determine ammonia concentrations are applicable to drinking water, clean surface water, goodquality 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. Kit comes in a cardboard box and contains everything needed to perform 30 tests: thirty ampoules, Stabilizer Solutions, 25 mL sample cup, ampoule blank, 1.0 mL syringe, and instructions. Range: 0-7.00 ppm. Method: Direct Nesslerization.
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