First, what is ammonia nitrogen? It exists in water in the forms of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and free ammonia (NH₃). As a major contributor to water eutrophication, ammonia nitrogen promotes excessive growth of algae and microorganisms in water bodies, reduces dissolved oxygen levels, and further causes mass mortality of fish and aquatic organisms, exerting significant adverse impacts on water quality.

Ammonia nitrogen in water comes from a wide range of sources. Besides landfill leachate and domestic sewage, ammonia nitrogen containing wastewater is discharged from many industrial sectors including chemical fertilizer production, petrochemical processes, feed manufacturing, steel production and glass manufacturing. Ammonia nitrogen in water can be converted into nitrates and nitrites via nitrification, which calls for adequate attention. Long-term consumption of such water may trigger methemoglobinemia. When nitrite concentrations in water bodies reach high levels, nitrites can react with proteins to form nitrosamines, carcinogenic substances that pose great harm to human health.

The above points highlight the necessity of treating ammonia nitrogen containing wastewater. Water Quality Detectors can be applied to test ammonia nitrogen concentrations for compliance with relevant standards.

Common treatment technologies for ammonia nitrogen in wastewater include chemical precipitation, biological treatment, membrane separation, ion exchange, breakpoint chlorination, air stripping and oxidation processes. The appropriate process shall be selected according to actual operating conditions.

Treatment is indispensable. How can we confirm that effluent meets target indicators? In this case, the Modi Online Ammonia Nitrogen Monitor can be adopted for real‑time monitoring to track actual water quality conditions.