Ammonia Removal from Water

While ammonia has its benefits, its release into water bodies can pose significant risks to aquatic life and public health. Ammonia is a widely used inorganic compound that is often used as a fertilizer and as the building block for many pharmaceuticals. Excess ammonia is problematic for the aquaculture industry, where build up can cause alteration of metabolism or increase in body pH of fish species.

What we achieved

Rosalox has reduced 1910mg/L by over 99.9% to <0.4mg/L

Rosalox logo for pollutant page Nyex Rosalox

Ammonia toxicity in water

In aquatic environments, ammonia can be toxic to marine life, including fish and other aquatic organisms.

When ammonia is released into water, it undergoes a process called ammonification, where it is converted into ammonium ions (NH4+). Ammonium ions can be further oxidized into nitrites (NO2-) and nitrates (NO3-), through a process known as nitrification.

Ammonia poisoning in water can disrupt the balance of nitrogen compounds, leading to toxicity. Ammonia toxicity affects the gills of fish, impairing their ability to breathe and leading to respiratory distress.

Additionally, it can cause organ damage and interfere with the fish’s osmoregulatory system, resulting in abnormal behaviour and reduced reproductive capabilities.

Furthermore, ammonia can persist in water for extended periods. In some cases, it may take weeks or months for ammonia levels to decrease significantly, depending on conditions. This can exacerbate the negative impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental impact of ammonia

Ammonia pollution in water bodies can have severe environmental consequences, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems. To address this issue, the Arvia Technology Nyex Rosalox™ system offers a cutting-edge and eco-friendly solution for ammonia removal.

Jerome Budin

Water Treatment Consultant

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How else to remove ammonia from water

To mitigate the detrimental effects of ammonia in water, various ammonia removal methods are employed. These can be broadly categorized into oxidation, adsorption, and reverse osmosis. There are pros and cons of each method, outlined below.

Oxidation

Oxidation is a common method used to remove ammonia from water. It involves converting ammonia into nitrites and nitrates, which are less toxic than ammonia.

One widely used ammonia removal option is the use of ozone (O3) as an oxidizing agent. Ozone effectively breaks down ammonia molecules into harmless substances through a chemical reaction.

Adsorption

Adsorption for ammonia removal is another effective method. Activated carbon, also known as granular activated carbon (GAC), is often utilized for this purpose.
GAC or activated carbon for ammonia removal has a high surface area and porous structure, which allows it to adsorb pollutants effectively.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis for removing ammonia from water is a membrane-based water purification process that can effectively remove many contaminants. It works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This blocks the passage of ammonia molecules but allows clean water to pass through.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) for removing ammonia from water is a highly efficient method, but it requires substantial energy to achieve.

Conclusion: Ammonia removal from water

In conclusion, ammonia removal from water is of utmost importance to maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems and protect public health.

Various options for ammonia removal, such as oxidation, adsorption, and reverse osmosis, are available. Each method has its pros and cons, considering factors like efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.

The Nyex Rosalox™ system by Arvia Technology stands out as a state-of-the-art solution, addressing ammonia contamination in an efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable manner.

By adopting such advanced water treatment systems, we can pave the way towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

For more information on all of Arvia’s next-generation water treatments, why not schedule a call with one of our water experts today?