Nitrogen is a nutrient in the environment and is necessary to sustain growth of most organisms. It exists in several forms such as nitrate, nitrite, organic nitrogen such as proteins or amino acids, and ammonia.

Ammonia is a colorless, gaseous compound with a sharp distinctive odor. It is highly soluble in water where it exists in a molecular form associated with water and in an ionized form as NH₄ ⁺. The extent of association or ionization is dependent on the temperature and pH. It may also be toxic to aquatic life. The extent of toxicity is dependent upon species and extent of dissociation.⁷ Ammonia may occur in water as a product of anaerobic decomposition of nitrogen containing compounds or from waste streams containing ammonia.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of ammonia nitrogen, exclusive of organic nitrogen, in water. Two test methods are included as follows:

1.2 Test Method A is used for the routine determination of ammonia in steam condensates and demineralizer effluents.

1.3 Test Method B is applicable to the determination of ammonia nitrogen in the range from 0.5 to 1000 mg NH₃N/L directly in reagent and effluent waters. Higher concentrations can be determined following dilution. The reported lower range is based on multiple-operator precision. Lower limits have been obtained by two of the twelve laboratories participating in the round robin.

1.4 Both test methods A and B are applicable to surface and industrial waters and wastewaters following distillation. The test method for distillation given in has been used in the past to meet requirements for predistillation of samples being analyzed for ammonia.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 The distillation method now appears as Appendix X1 and is provided as nonmandatory information only. The automated colorimetric phenate method has been discontinued.