Ammonia parameter video transcript

Ammonia, a nitrogen compound, indicates the presence of excessive nutrients.

Levels above 0.01 parts per million indicate excessive runoff, levels above one part per million can be considered toxic to plants and animals.

Ammonia, a nitrogen compound, indicates the presence of excessive nutrients.

To measure the ammonia levels in the water at Longneck Lagoon EEC you will need a test tube from your grey kit, two ammonia tablets - they are labelled 1 & 2, a tablet crusher, the water sample bottle and to assess your results the colour comparator from the black case.

You will need a sample of the water. Use the sample bottle to collect this. As this is a chemical test you are required to wear gloves and safety glasses. Ensure they are on before you remove any tablets from their foil.

Fill the test tube to the 10 ml mark at the top of the test tube with water from the sample bottle.

Remove ammonia tablet 1 from its foil and place it in the test tube. Use the tablet crusher to break up the tablet.

Place ammonia test tablet 2 into the test tube and use the tablet crusher to break up the tablet.

Replace the lid and shake the test tube to combine the contents. Wait for 6 minutes.

The water will change colour to either a yellow or green. Use the comparator from the black case to assess your result. The comparator has a test tube containing plain water as a control.

Place your test tube into the right hand slot. Hold the comparator up to the light and turn the colour wheel until the colours match. Read the result in the window at the bottom right hand corner in parts per million.

Dispose of the chemicals in the chemical waste container and wash your test tube in the wash up bucket. Return all equipment to your grey case.