CHEMetrics Ammonia Test Kits

Ammonia is a naturally occurring compound in water that forms through the biological decomposition of plant and animal matter. While low concentrations may be present in natural waters, elevated ammonia levels can indicate contamination from wastewater treatment discharges, raw sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, or aquaculture operations. Excessive ammonia concentrations are toxic to aquatic life and can interfere with water treatment processes, making routing monitoring an important part of the environmental compliance and process control.

CHEMetrics Ammonia Test Kits provide fast, reliable ammonia analysis for drinking water, surface water, wastewater, seawater, industrial process water, and environmental monitoring applications. Both visual and instrumental test kits are available, utilizing either Direct Nesslerization or Hydrobenzyl Alcohol (HBA) chemistry to support a wide range of concentration levels and testing requirements.

Ammonia Test Methods

Direct Nesslerization Method

The Direct Nesslerization Method utilizes the well-established Nessler reagent to determine ammonia concentrations in water. This method is suitable for drinking water, clean surface water, high-quality nitrified wastewater effluent, and seawater applications. Results are reported as ppm (mg/L) ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N).

In samples containing elevated calcium or magnesium concentrations, reagent cloudiness may occur. This can be eliminated by adding the included Stabilizer Solution (Rochelle Salt). Because Nessler chemistry contains mercury, proper disposal procedures should be followed in accordance with local regulations.

Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol (HBA) Method

The Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol (HBA) Method provides a mercury -free alternative for ammonia analysis. In this method, free ammonia reacts with hypochlorite to form monochloramine, which then reacts with hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the presence of sodium nitroferricyanide to produce green-colored complex. Results are reported as ppm (mg/L) ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N).

The HBA Method offers sensitivity comparable to the Nesslerization Method while eliminating the generation of mercury-containing waste. It is an excellent choice for facilities seeking environmentally preferable testing methods without sacrificing analytical performance.

CHEMets vs. Vacu-Vials: Which Testing System is Right for You?

CHEMetrics offer two ampoule-based testing system for ammonia analysis: CHEMets® Visual Kits and Vacu-Vials® Instrumental Kits. Both systems utilize CHEMetrics self-filling ampoule technology, which automatically draws the correct sample volume into the ampoule for fast, convenient testing.

CHEMets Visual Kits use visual color comparison to determine ammonia concentration and require no instrumentation. These kits are ideal for routine field testing, environmental monitoring, wastewater process checks, aquaculture applications, quick screening and troubleshooting, and cost-effective monitoring programs. Each kit contains everything required to perform 30 tests (except distilled water) and is packaged in a durable, portable carrying case.

Vacu-Vials Instrument Kits use a compatible photometer or spectrophotometer (sold separately) to measure color intensity and calculate ammonia concentration. These kits are ideal for process monitoring and control, laboratory testing, regulatory compliance applications, higher accuracy and repeatability requirements, electronic recordkeeping and reporting, and facilities requiring quantitative analytical data. Each Vacu-Vial kit contains supplies for 30 tests and includes all required reagents and accessories for instrumental analysis.