Toxic substances list: ammonia dissolved in water
Ammonia exists in two forms simultaneously, with the equilibrium between the two forms governed in large part by pH and temperature. The forms are NH3 (un-ionized ammonia) and NH4+ (ionized ammonia or ammonium). Together they are called total ammonia. It is the NH3 form that is particularly harmful to aquatic organisms. The primary human use of ammonia is as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, especially anhydrous ammonia and urea. Ammonia is released into the environment by many industries and other human activities. The major quantifiable sources of ammonia released to aquatic ecosystems across Canada are wastewater treatment plants. Ammonia is also a naturally occurring compound required by most organisms for protein synthesis and a waste product of animal, fish and microbial metabolism.
CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 7664-41-7
Risk Assessment
- Priority Substances List Assessment Report
- Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
a) have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. - Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
Risk Management Strategy
Click on the following link to view strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:
Risk Management Tool(s)
Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
Consultation
Consultation (past and present) on the substance:
Other Information
- Response to Stakeholders' Comments on the Proposed Notice Requiring the Preparation and Implementation of Pollution Prevention Plans for Ammonia Dissolved in Water, Inorganic Chloramines and Chlorinated Wastewater Effluents, under CEPA 1999
- Environment Canada Wastewater - Information Centre
- National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) - Information Centre
Contact
Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
E-mail: substances@ec.gc.ca
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