LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Ammonia
built 658 days ago
Ammonia, NH3, measured in parts per million (ppm), is the first measurement to determine the "health" of the biologic converter. Ammonia should not be detectable in a pond with a "healthy" bio-converter. The ideal and normal measurement of ammonia is zero. When ammonia is dissolved in water, it is partially ionized depending upon the pH and temperature. The ionized ammonia is called ammonium and is not particularly toxic to the fish. As the pH increases and the temperature drops, the ionization and ammonium decreases which increases the toxicity.
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Ammonia is a colourless gas possessing a characteristic pungent smell and a strongly alkaline reaction; it is lighter than air, its specific gravity being o�589 (air =1). It is easily liquefied and the liquid boils at-33-7° C., and solidifies at - 75° C. to a mass of white crystals. It is extremely soluble in water, one volume of water at o° C. and normal pressure absorbs 1148 volumes of ammonia (Roscoe and W. Dittmar). All the ammonia contained in an aqueous solution of the gas may be expelled by boiling. It does not support combustion; and it does not burn readily unless mixed with oxygen, when it burns with a pale yellowish-green flame. Ammonia gas has the power of combining with many substances, particularly with metallic halides; ... with calcium chloride it forms the compound CaCl 2.8NH 3, and consequently calcium chloride cannot be used for drying the gas.
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Ammonia has a variety of uses. It is used as a refrigerant, a cleaning and bleaching agent, and a household cleanser. It is ... used to produce fertilizers, plastics, explosives and pharmaceuticals. Ammonia is very important to plant, animal, and human life. It is found in water, soil, and air, and is a source of much needed nitrogen for plants and animals. Most of the ammonia in the environment comes from the natural breakdown of manure and dead plants and animals.
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Ammonia solutions in water with concentrations between 10% and 35% have a DOT hazard classification of 8 and are to be labeled as Corrosive. Their identification number is UN2672 and are to be packaged in Group III containers. As of October 1, 1996 when HM-181 became effective, all Group III containers have to conform to UN specifications and standards. These requirements are outlined in CFR 173.24a(b)(4): Packaging tested as prescribed in CFR 178.605 of this subchapter may be used for liquids only when the vapor pressure of liquid conforms to one of the following:
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The Delphi Ammonia Sensor can detect ammonia within a range of 0 to 100 ppm. If the sensor detects too much ammonia, it signals the system to reduce the amount of the urea injection. The planar alumina substrate in the Delphi Ammonia Sensor combines an integral temperature sensor with a thick-film heater for optimum performance. The Delphi Ammonia Sensor provides measurement of ammonia without interference from carbon monoxide and NOx.
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Ammonia odors can be formed aerobically as well as anaerobically, so the control strategies recommended for anaerobic odors may not apply. Noticeable ammonia losses primarily result from a low C/N ratio. The microorganisms are very efficient at utilizing nitrogen when that is the limiting nutrient. The smell of ammonia is an indicator that nitrogen is in excess, and carbon/energy is limiting instead. Ammonia losses are common when composting high nitrogen materials such as fresh grass clippings or manure, and are often accompanied by other nitrogen losses in runoff or infiltration. At large composting facilities these nitrogen losses could threaten surface or groundwater quality.
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Ammonia