Chemical and physical properties

Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless and non-flammable liquefied gas. Chemically, it consists of 82% nitrogen and 18% hydrogen.

Ammonia is hydroscopic and very soluble in water. However, it is toxic to the aquatic ecosystem. When the concentration of ammonia in water is high enough, aquatic organisms will not be able to sufficiently excrete the toxicant. This may lead to toxic build up in internal tissues and blood, and may lead to death. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common problems associated with high concentrations of ammonia in aquatic life relate to fish growth, gill condition, organ weights and hematocrits.

Ammonia is also very corrosive to galvanized metal, cast iron, copper, brass and copper alloys. Thus, all metal