Ammonia Pollution: Understanding Its Various Causes And Origins

Ammonia pollution is a pressing issue that has adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Ammonia (NH3) is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, which is a byproduct of agriculture and industry. Sources of ammonia pollution include agricultural slurry, fertilizer factories, coal mines, and seabird colonies. When released into the atmosphere, ammonia gas can react with other pollutants to form fine particles of ammonium salts, which are harmful to human health and the environment. In water, ammonia is toxic to aquatic life and can cause eutrophication, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. The effects of ammonia pollution are far-reaching, and efforts to reduce emissions have been implemented in some countries.

Industrial and agricultural byproducts

Ammonia (NH3) is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and is a byproduct of agriculture and industry. It is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It is produced on an industrial scale, with around 70% of production facilities based in China, India, the USA, Russia, Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

The industrial production of ammonia involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) by a reaction with hydrogen (H2) using finely divided iron metal as a catalyst. This process, known as the Haber-Bosch process, was developed in the early 20th century and revolutionised ammonia synthesis. However, it often relies on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change.

Ammonia is used in various industrial and agricultural processes, with around 80% of ammonia used as a fertiliser in agriculture. It is also used in the production of plastics, fibres, explosives, nitric acid, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, ammonia is used in refrigeration, water purification, and the manufacture of chemicals such as pesticides.

The use and production of ammonia in these industries can lead to pollution. In agriculture, ammonia pollution is commonly associated with the use of fertilisers and the storage and spreading of manure. The application of fertilisers and the breakdown of manure release ammonia gas into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Poorly managed livestock waste storage systems, such as slurry lagoons and manure piles, can also emit significant amounts of ammonia.

Industrial activities that release ammonia include the production and storage of ammonia-based chemicals, the use of ammonia in refrigeration systems, and the manufacture of plastics, explosives, and other ammonia-derived products. In addition, wastewater from industrial processes can contain high levels of ammonia, which, if discharged into water bodies without proper treatment, can have detrimental effects on aquatic life.

Natural sources

Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless, highly irritating and corrosive gas with a pungent, suffocating odour. It is produced naturally in humans and the environment and is essential for many biological processes.

Ammonia is part of the nitrogen cycle and is produced in soil from bacterial processes. It is also produced naturally from the decomposition of organic matter, including plants, animals, and animal waste. Natural sources of ammonia include the breakdown of organic waste matter, gas exchange with the atmosphere, forest fires, animal and human waste, and nitrogen fixation processes.

In the environment, ammonia is released into the atmosphere through natural processes such as the burning of coal mines, the guano of seabird colonies, and the caustic waters of lakes. It is also released through natural processes in water bodies, such as spillways, waterfalls, and turbulent flows in streams and rivers, which naturally volatilize ammonia.

Ammonia can enter the aquatic environment through natural means such as municipal effluent discharges and the excretion of nitrogenous wastes from animals. It can also enter through indirect means such as nitrogen fixation, air deposition, and runoff from agricultural lands. When present in water at high levels, ammonia is toxic to aquatic life, leading to increased fish deaths and decreased biodiversity.

In addition to its environmental impacts, natural sources of ammonia can also affect human health. Ammonia is irritating and corrosive, and exposure to high concentrations can cause immediate burning of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing and nose and throat irritation.

Water contamination

Ammonia pollution is a chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, which is a byproduct of agriculture and industry. Ammonia gas dissolves easily in water to form ammonium hydroxide, a caustic and corrosive solution. The amount of ammonia in water is influenced by human activities, such as agriculture and industrial waste, as well as natural sources.

In aquatic ecosystems, ammonia is toxic to plants, animals, and invertebrates, leading to increased fish deaths and a decrease in biodiversity. The toxicity of ammonia in water depends on the pH and temperature of the water body. More basic waters have higher concentrations of ammonia, which is more toxic to aquatic life. Ammonia can also lead to eutrophication, an increase in algal growth that causes a decrease in the oxygen dissolved in the water, further harming aquatic life.

Ammonia in sediments is often a result of bacterial decomposition of organic matter. Fine sediments tend to generate ammonia due to low oxygen levels and high organic matter content. Sediments with low oxygen levels, such as anoxic sediments, have higher levels of ammonia. Ammonia in sediments can also be toxic to benthic or surface water biota and can reduce species diversity.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published water quality criteria to protect aquatic life from the toxic effects of ammonia in freshwater. These criteria reflect new data on sensitive freshwater organisms and scientific views on ammonia toxicity. The EPA has also provided supporting information to assist states, territories, and tribes in adopting these criteria into their water quality standards.

In addition to its environmental impacts, ammonia pollution can also affect human health. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air or water can cause irritation and corrosion of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of ammonia can lead to respiratory distress or failure, and in severe cases, it can cause olfactory fatigue, reducing awareness of prolonged exposure.

Soil contamination

Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless gas that is formed when organic matter breaks down. It is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and is a byproduct of agriculture and industry. Ammonia is a recognised hazardous air pollutant and can have a detrimental impact on human health, the environment, and biodiversity.

Ammonia pollution can have a direct toxic effect on vegetation, and high concentrations of ammonia in the air can cause immediate burning of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of ammonia can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in respiratory distress or failure. Lower concentrations can cause coughing, nose, and throat irritation.

Ammonia gas can also affect the chemistry of the soil. For example, ammonia can degrade the conditions required by the sphagnum moss and heather of peatland. Bog and peatland habitats are made up of sensitive lichen and mosses that can be damaged even by low concentrations of ammonia. Grasslands, heathlands, and forests are also vulnerable to ammonia pollution.

Ammonia pollution can be reduced through various agricultural interventions, including regulation, incentives, and education. Conservation agriculture practices can also help to reduce ammonia emissions.

Health effects

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent odour that is commonly found in cleaning products and fertilisers. It is highly soluble in water and can be easily compressed into a clear liquid. While it is not highly flammable, containers of ammonia may explode when exposed to high heat.

Ammonia is also a natural by-product of the human body, produced in the gut due to various enzymatic actions of bacteria. It is also produced naturally in the environment from the decomposition of organic matter, including plants, animals, and animal waste.

Ammonia is highly toxic and corrosive. Exposure to ammonia can cause serious health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Inhalation of ammonia can irritate the respiratory tract and, in high concentrations, can cause coughing, laryngospasm, and edema. Concentrations of 2500 to 4500 parts per million (ppm) can be fatal within 30 minutes, and concentrations above 5000 ppm usually result in rapid respiratory arrest. Skin contact with ammonia can cause irritation or burns, and ingestion of ammonia can cause pain and burning in the throat and stomach.

Ammonia poisoning can be treated, and most people recover. Decontamination of the skin and eyes with water is important, and treatment may include the administration of humidified oxygen, bronchodilators, and airway management. Ingested ammonia can be diluted with milk or water. Steroids may be beneficial for patients exhibiting signs of airway edema and hyperreactivity.

It is important to note that most ammonia that enters the body through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated food or water is rapidly metabolized and excreted within a couple of days. However, exposure to high concentrations of ammonia, such as during an ammonia spill or gas leak, can result in acute ammonia poisoning, which requires immediate medical attention.

Frequently asked questions