Environment

Rising ammonia levels in West Africa linked to biomass burning

·         Its chemical formula is NH3.

·         It could be a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical within the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and different product.

·         More than eighty per cent of ammonia created is consumed within the producing of fertiliser, and most of the remainder goes into the production of formaldehyde.

·         It occurs naturally within the environment from the breakdown of organic waste matter, and should conjointly find its way to ground and surface water sources through industrial effluents, contamination by sewerage or through agricultural runoff.

·         Effect of High Level of Ammonia: According to experts in Chemistry, ammonia is stored for industrial use in liquid form under high pressure or in gaseous form at low temperature.

·         Ammonia reduces the amount of oxygen in water as it is transformed to oxidised forms of nitrogen.

·         Hence, it also will increase biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

·         If the concentration of ammonia in water is on top of one ppm its toxic  to fishes. In humans, long term ingestion of water having ammonia levels of one ppm or above might cause damage to internal organs. Ammonia, even in moderate concentration, will cause irritation to eyes, skin, nose and throat.

·         It interacts directly upon contact with moisture present within the skin, eyes, oral cavity, and respiratory tract to form ammonium hydroxide. its terribly caustic and disrupts the cell membrane lipids, ultimately leading to cellular destruction.

·         Ammonia in Humans Ammonia, which is highly soluble in water, is found in soil, air, and water; it is naturally present in the body.

·         It is secreted by the kidneys to neutralize excess acid.

·         However, its highly diluted once within the atmosphere and doesnt have an effect on the human body to a noticeable level.