Department or Program
Environmental Studies
Abstract
The aim of this thesis was to determine a viable procedure for measuring trace amounts of dissolved ammonia in Lake Auburn, Lewiston and Auburn’s drinking water source. Several years ago, a large portion of the fish population in the lake died to unknown causes. An investigation of potential toxins led them to believe that ammonia could have been the cause as at high concentrations, it is toxic and potentially lethal to fish. It is important to investigate and measure dissolved ammonia to understand the potential ramifications of the fish population. According to the Lake Auburn Water District, the concentration of dissolved ammonia ranges from 10-30 ppb. Three procedures were attempted to measure ammonia: Kjeldahl distillation with colorimetry, phenolhypochlorite colorimetry, and direct measurement using an ammonia ion selective electrode. 13 Unfortunately the Kjeldahl procedure did not yield any results. However, the other two methods were effective and successful. The efforts to prepare and evaluate the viability of these procedures will be described.
Level of Access
Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access
First Advisor
Tom Wenzel
Date of Graduation
5-2016
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
Kelliher, Kristen, "Determining a Procedure to Measure Dissolved Ammonia in Freshwater" (2016). Standard Theses. 117.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/117
Number of Pages
35
Restricted
Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.