Ammonia in wastewater primarily originates from the breakdown of nitrogenous organic materials and the presence of certain chemicals.
Sources of Ammonia in Wastewater
Ammonia (NH₃) is a common pollutant found in municipal and industrial wastewater. Its presence is largely due to the decomposition of organic matter containing nitrogen and the introduction of nitrogen-containing chemicals.
According to the provided reference (22-Jan-2021), ammonia in wastewater could originate from a variety of sources, including:
- Proteins: Found in materials such as meat and blood. When these organic materials decompose, nitrogen is released, forming ammonia.
- Urea: A primary component of urine, urea is quickly converted to ammonia in wastewater.
- Amino Acid Products: The building blocks of proteins, amino acids also contain nitrogen and contribute to ammonia upon breakdown.
- Casein: A significant protein found in milk and dairy products.
- Corrosion Inhibitors: Some chemicals used to prevent pipes and equipment from corroding contain nitrogen.
- Process Chemicals and Raw Materials: Various industrial processes utilize chemicals or raw materials that contain nitrogen, which can end up in wastewater.
- Cleaning Chemicals: Specifically, those containing quaternary ammonium compounds, which are often used as disinfectants and surfactants, can be a source.
These sources introduce nitrogen into the water system, which then converts to ammonia and ammonium ions depending on the water's pH and temperature.
