Ammonia in Water - DIY Test

What is ammonia, and why is it found in water?

It is a chemical compound made up of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H), with the chemical formula NH3. It is generally present as a gas, but can also dissolve in water, forming ammonium (NH4+).

Ammonia can enter water from various sources, such as agricultural fertilizers and the decomposition of organic waste, including animal droppings and plant matter.

Previously produced by distilling slurry and manure, ammonia was later obtained, starting in the late 19th century, as a by-product of the town gas industry through the carbonization of coal. Ammonia is a component of nitrogen fertilizers and is also used to produce nitric acid, which is used in the manufacture of explosives.

Some cleaning products also contain ammonia and can contaminate water sources when used nearby.

The effects of ammonia on the body

The risks of drinking water containing ammonia depend on the concentration of this compound in the water. At high levels, ammonia can be toxic to humans and cause health problems, including respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation. In addition, ammonia can react with other substances in water to form potentially harmful by-products, such as chloramines.

What ammonia level is recommended for drinking water?

In France, the maximum recommended ammonia level in drinking water is 0.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L), according to the water quality standards set by the Public Health Code. However, the maximum permissible values may vary depending on local regulations and specific recommendations from health authorities.

How can you measure the ammonia level in your water?

This kit, consisting of a bottle of reagent and a bottle containing 25 test strips, lets you perform 25 tests.

It is important to note that this kit is used with the eXact Micro 20 photometer.

How do you perform this test with the eXact Micro 20? Follow these instructions:

• TURN ON THE DEVICE - Turn on the photometer by pressing the ON/ZERO button. The screen will show all indicators, then the selected menu, then the most recent results.
• SELECT THE GROUP AND PARAMETERS -  Press the SELECT button repeatedly to choose the group: the ammonia test is in groups 4 or 5. Then press the MENU button repeatedly to select the test parameter: NH. (You will find all this information in a table in the user manual supplied with the device).
• RINSE AND FILL THE TEST CELL - Rinse the test cell at least 3 times with the water you will be testing (to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from your previous test). Fill the small cell completely with the water to be tested, then tilt the photometer to pour out about 0.2 ml of water from the cell to make room for the liquid reagent.
• ADD THE DROPS - Add 3 drops of liquid reagent if you are testing fresh water, and 10 drops if you are testing salt water, and cover the test cell with its protective cap. Note: make sure the bottle is upright when you add the drops.
• ZERO - Press the ON/ZERO button. The cursor will move across the screen, which will then display 0.00 PPM. This indicates that the sample is ready to be tested.
• DIP THE STRIP AND PRESS READ - Take a test strip, dip it into the test cell, and immediately press the READ button to start the 20-second countdown. Remove the strip after "1" has disappeared from the screen. The photometer will automatically begin the analysis. The result will appear within a few seconds.

Notes: for the ammonia test, the device's calibration is based on water with a temperature between 14°C and 28°C. If the tested water's temperature is below 14°C, the ammonia value displayed by the device may be lower than the actual value.