Registration Dossier

Data platform availability banner - registered substances factsheets

Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

Currently viewing:

Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
other: Published information (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Qualifier:
no guideline available
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Ready biodegradation is typically determined experimentally based on OECD 301 by measurement of either mineralization to carbon dioxide or BOD (biological oxygen demand). The letter is not possible for NH3 since the molecule has no carbon source.
GLP compliance:
no
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
natural water: freshwater
Key result
Parameter:
other: When introduced into the aquatic environment, ammonia is rapidly converted into other nitrogenous forms under aerobic conditions.
Remarks on result:
not determinable
Remarks:
None
Details on results:
When introduced into the aquatic environment, ammonia is rapidly converted into other nitrogenous forms under aerobic conditions.
Executive summary:

Ammonia is environmentally ubiquitous as a consequence of natural degradation processes and animal excretion and has a critical role in the nitrogen cycle. When introduced into the aquatic environment, ammonia is rapidly converted into other nitrogenous forms under aerobic conditions. The major processes include fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification. Under aerobic conditions, ammonia in water is rapidly converted into nitrate by nitrification. Bacteria of the genusNitrosomonasoxidise ammonia to nitrite, andNitrobacterconvert the nitrite into nitrate. The pH in water is increased by the presence of ammonia ions, in the form of hydroxide ions. Temperature, oxygen supply and pH of the water are factors in determining the rate of oxidation. Aerobic biological treatment (as utilised in wastewater treatment works) completely nitrifies ammonia to nitrate. Ammonia is assimilated by aquatic algae and macrophytes for use as a nitrogen source.

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Data waiving:
study scientifically not necessary / other information available
Justification for data waiving:
other:

Description of key information

Ammonia is intermediate in the aquatic nitrogen cycle and rapidly converted into other nitrogenous forms under aerobic conditions.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Biodegradation in water:
readily biodegradable

Additional information

Ammonia is environmentally ubiquitous as a consequence of natural degradation processes and animal excretion and has a critical role in the nitrogen cycle. When introduced into the aquatic environment, ammonia is rapidly converted into other nitrogenous forms under aerobic conditions. The major processes include fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification. Under aerobic conditions, ammonia in water is rapidly converted into nitrate by nitrification. Bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas oxidise ammonia to nitrite and Nitrobacter convert the nitrite into nitrate. The pH in water is increased by the presence of ammonia ions, in the form of hydroxide ions. Temperature, oxygen supply and pH of the water are factors in determining the rate of oxidation. Aerobic biological treatment (as utilised in wastewater treatment works) completely nitrifies ammonia to nitrate. Ammonia is assimilated by aquatic algae and macrophytes for use as a nitrogen source.