A Literature Review of Effects of Ammonia on Fish
This paper summarizes scientific findings on ammonia’s behavior and toxicity in Bristol Bay waters, highlighting natural levels, mining‑related risks, and potential impacts on native fish and fisheries.
Subject Tags
- Fisheries
- Ecosystem management
Summary
The purpose of this paper is to summarize information from the scientific literature regarding the potential effects of ammonia on the environment, in particular on aquatic life near Bristol Bay, Alaska. Proposed mining of copper-sulfide ores near Bristol Bay, Alaska, could introduce ammonia to the environment.
Current ammonia levels in the Bristol Bay area are generally below fish toxicity levels, but some areas have elevated ammonia levels that appear to be related to natural organic (humic) content (Zamzow 2009). Mine proponents and regulators need to clearly understand natural background ammonia levels and ensure that mining activities do not increase ammonia concentrations to levels that could adversely impact fisheries. This factsheet provides a description of ammonia’s behavior in surface waters, the potential sources of ammonia that are relevant to proposed mining in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and the toxicity of ammonia to native fish.
Citation
Levit, S. M. (2010). A literature review of effects of ammonia on fish. Center for Science in Public Participation, Bozeman, Montana.