Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

I'm currently doing a research project that's about pollution in a local river in my town.
I've decided to focus on organic pollutants, either Total Phosphorus or Ammonia Nitrogen.

I was originally going to investigate Total Phosphorus since I currently have a phosphate probe which can measure the density of total phosphorus (specifically phosphate ions) in the water!

However, I've found out that in this specific river, Ammonia (or Ammonia Nitrogen) is the bigger problem. I currently do not have an ammonia measuring probe, but I have a Nitrite Probe. Will the nitrite probe at least prove that Ammonia (or Ammonia Nitrogen) exists in the water?

Well, it actually isn't a probe....it's more like an indicator -- its the Kit with TesTabs (http://www.lamotte.com/en/education/wat ... /5849.html)..

Hi,

The water test kit you indicated should be perfect for your project. Nitrates (NOT nitrite--different chemical entirely) are common pollutants in lakes and streams. The kit allows you to check water samples for metals, phosphate, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity and this way you can identify any other potential pollutants that may not have been noticed.

Phosphorus and nitrogen are considered to be inorganic elements by chemists. Organic compounds would include herbicides, insecticides, hydrocarbons like oil or gasoline, hormones, antibiotics, plasticizers and solvents.

What is the hypothesis that you are testing in your project?

Sybee

Hi! First of all, thanks for replying me

The problem I'm having is that I need to measure Ammonia Nitrogen, but I don't have the ammonia probe!
I only have the nitrate probe, and I was wondering if nitrate probes would measure ammonia nitrogen, that's all.

My Hypothesis is that this local river is in danger of eutrophication due to excess of nutrients in form of Ammonia Nitrogen, which is from surface run-off and organic wastes.

I could possibly go with measuring total phosphorus using a phosphate probe (which I have).
But, since previously done research conducted by the government shows that this river's 'main' problem is the excess of ammonia, I was simply wondering if the nitrate probe can measure ammonia.

I'm guessing it probably can't.

Hi,

I understand that you want to measure ammonium ions, but in nature ammonia is quickly broken down to nitrite and nitrate. Nearly all the nitrogen in a lake or pond is in the form of nitrate. I don't know about a river.

If you want to test for ammonium ions I think you will have to buy ammonia test strips. The nitrate/nitrite test strips I have used don't respond to ammonium. If you want to be sure, call the company that makes the test strips and talk to someone in tech support. They are very helpful and know a lot about water testing.

If we can help you with other questions do let us know.

Good luck!

Sybee