Why is Ammonia (NH3 )Needed?

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct odor it is a building-block chemical and a key
component in the manufacturing of many products, it occurs naturally in the
environment, in the human body it is produced when food containing proteins is broken
down int amino acids and ammonia, the ammonia is then further reduced to urea.
The Process of Making Ammonia
Ammonia is generally made industrially through the Haber-Bosch Process which uses
nitrogen from the air or through fractional distillation of liquid air and hydrogen which is
derived from natural gas and water at high temperatures (450 Degrees Celsius) and high
pressures (200 atmospheres) in the process of an iron and aluminum oxide catalyst to
produce ammonia. Due to the nature of the reaction being exothermic and hence a
volume decrease it requires a ration of 4:2
CH4 + H2O (+ heat) → CO + 3H2
CO + H2O → CO2 + H2
(92Kj mol-1 ) N2 + 3H2 2NH3

As the equlibrium mixture of gases leave the reaction chamber it passes through a
condenser which changes the ammonia to liquid allowing it to be collected in holding
tanks whilst the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen are recycled, by continuously
removing the ammonia produced the equlibrium position shifts towards the products
allowing the reaction to continue.
Uses of Ammonia
Ammonia has many uses however it is most commonly used as the basic building block
for fertilizers (ammonium nitrate) in the agriculture industry.
It is also used in household products in the form ammonium hydroxide.
Ammonia also is used in the waste and wastewater treatment, cold storage, rubber, pulp
and paper and food and beverage industries as a stabilizer, neutralizer and a source of
nitrogen. It also is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
What happens to ammonia in the environment?
When ammonia is used in fertilizers if an excess is used and allowed to enter waterways
the excess nutrients in the water contribute to what is known as algal bloom. This reduces
the amount of light reaching organisms in the water resulting in plants dying, bacteria
then decompose this plant matter which uses up dissolved oxygen in the water. If the
oxygen level is low enough it can cause aquatic organisms to die.
Due to the high solubility of nitrogen compounds nitrates may eventually pollute
groundwater storages. In low concentrations adults can metabolize the nitrogen
compounds however in infants the nitrates are converted to nitrites which haemoglobin
has a higher affinity for resulting in a lack of oxygen.
Since ammonia is corrosive by nature inhalation or contact with bare skin can damage
airways and result in chemical burns.