EN
Tests For: Ammonia in natural, drinking and waste waters
Test Range: 0–1.0 mg/L N
Reagent Chemistry Used: Salicylate
Basis of Test Method: 4500-Ammonia-F, US EPA 350.1, ISO15750:2009
Method Detection Limit*: 0.03 mg/L
Limit of Quantification**: 0.07 mg/L
Ammonia occurs as a breakdown product of nitrogenous material in natural waters. It is also found in domestic effluents and certain industrial waste waters. Ammonia is harmful to fish and other forms of aquatic life, and the ammonia level must be carefully controlled in water used for fish farms and aquariums. Ammonia tests are routinely applied for pollution control on effluents and waste waters, and for the monitoring of drinking water supplies.
The Palintest Ammonia Test provides a simple method of measuring ammonia (ammoniacal nitrogen) over the range 0 – 1.0 mg/l N.
The Palintest Ammonia test is based on an indophenol method. Ammonia reacts with alkaline salicylate in the presence of chlorine to form a green-blue indophenol complex. Catalysts are incorporated to ensure complete and rapid colour develop¬ment. The reagents are provided in the form of two tablets for maximum conveni¬ence. The test is simply carried out by adding one of each tablet to a sample of the water.
The intensity of the colour produced in the test is proportional to the ammonia concentration and is measured using a Palintest Photometer.
In sea water or brackish water samples, Palintest Ammonia Conditioning Reagent is required to prevent precipitation of salts. The reagent is supplied in a special ‘spoon pack’ to aid measuring out the powder.
Fill the test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark and add one level spoonful of conditioning reagent. Mix to dissolve reagent then continue the test as described in the above test instructions. If turbidity still forms in the test, repeat using two level spoonfuls of conditioning reagent.
