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Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of one nitrogen atom covalently single bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Normally colorless, ammonia is the atmosphere’s most abundant alkaline gas. It is produced naturally through nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria and marine algae, as well as through the decomposition of plants, animals, and animal waste.

Nitrogen exchange between organisms, soils, and the atmosphere has been in balance for thousands of years. However, industrial activities have caused a significant increase in ammonia—a vital part of the nitrogen cycle. This increase comes particularly from ammonia in fertilizers and as a byproduct of manure management. Increasing ammonia levels can have devastating environmental effects, for example, in the atmosphere, where ammonia aids in the formation of particulate matter. On Earth’s surface, ammonia can enter water sources as runoff, degrading water quality and harming ecosystems (e.g. through nutrient enrichment). Therefore, precisely measuring ammonia can help us understand and mitigate anthropogenic effects on the nitrogen cycle.

Picarro has designed and produced two gas concentration analyzers that precisely measure ammonia for laboratory and field studies.

Analyzers

Product Sort descending Measurements Applications

G2508 Gas Concentration Analyzer

The Picarro G2508 gas concentration analyzer provides simultaneous, precise measurement of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3) at parts-per-billion (ppb), and water (H2O) vapor at parts-per-million (ppm) sensitivity with negligible drift for agriculture soil science, ecology, and emissions quantification.

G2509 Gas Concentration Analyzer

The Picarro G2509 gas concentration analyzer is designed for use in livestock farming, manure processing, and fertilizer studies. It provides real-time, at-scale measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3) at parts-per-billion (ppb), and water (H2O) vapor at parts-per-million (ppm) sensitivity, with negligible drift.

PI2103 Gas Concentration Analyzer

The Picarro PI2103 gas concentration analyzer delivers ultra-precise and stable measurements of ammonia (NH3) with a parts-per-trillion (ppt) lower limit of detection (LOD) and negligible drift. It is the ideal solution for urban and atmospheric air quality monitoring, studies of particulate matter formation, livestock emission quantification, vehicle emission quantification, indoor air quality and other applications.

Peripherals

Product-1 Sort descending Measurements Applications

16-Port Distribution Manifold (Silco)

The Picarro 16-Port Distribution Manifold provides unparalleled multiport sample-data collection.

Closed System Measurements

Whether you are looking at gas evolution from soils or vegetation, or the incorporation of stable labels into living organisms, our rugged, high-precision analyzers offer unparalleled performance. Picarro’s (A0702) small cavity design technology has long been the optimal choice for sample-limited studies. Now we have developed a series of turn-key systems especially designed to avoid external contamination.