Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Toxic pollutant list proposal to add ammonia

Journal Article · · Fed. Regist. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5477210
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add total ammonia to its toxic pollutant list under the Clean Water Act because the proportion of un-ionized ammonia varies with environmental conditions and cannot be directly controlled in ambient water. A review of STORET data shows that existing ambient water concentrations of un-ionized ammonia frequently exceed the EPA criterion of 20 ..mu..g/1. Salmonid fishes are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of un-ionized ammonia at concentrations as low as 25 ..mu..g/1. during prolonged exposure. The other factors on which the proposal is based include ammonia's ready oxidation to nitrite, its synergistic propensities and enhanced toxic properties, its ready solubility in water, the extent of its discharges and impact on aquatic organisms and wildlife, and annual production, which was 16.4 million tons in 1975-1976. Toxic pollutants are not eligible for waivers from best available technology economically available effluent limitations and may be subject to more stringent standards.
OSTI ID:
5477210
Journal Information:
Fed. Regist. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Fed. Regist. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Vol. 45:2; ISSN FEREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English