Ammonia Emissions

In 2010, ammonia (NH₃) emissions increased by 4 kt to 463 kt, a 1% increase from 2009 emissions levels.

The level of NH₃ emissions in 2010 was 41 kt (10%) higher than in 1990. The change in emission levels through time is explained primarily by variations in the growth of the agricultural sector and in fertilizer use.

Ammonia emissions, Canada, 1990 to 2010

Note: Emissions from open sources from agricultural activity are included in the indicator. All other natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Sources of ammonia emissions

In 2010, agricultural activity accounted for 91% (420 kt) of the total ammonia (NH₃) emissions in Canada (national emissions = 463 kt). Transportation (road, rail, air and marine) emissions represented 5% (22 kt) of national emissions, followed by industrial sources, representing 3% (14 kt) of national emissions. The remaining sources contributed 1% of national emissions.

Ammonia emissions by source, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from open sources from agricultural activity are included in the indicator. All other natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Ammonia emissions by province and territory

Alberta contributed most to Canada’s ammonia (NH₃) emissions, with 25% (117 kt) of the national total (national emissions = 463 kt). Ontario ranked second, with 22% (101 kt). Quebec and Saskatchewan emitted the next-highest proportions, with 17% each (81 and 80 kt, respectively). For all provinces, livestock farms and the application of fertilizers were the most important sources of NH₃ emissions.

Ammonia emissions by province and territory, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from open sources from agricultural activity are included in the indicator. All other natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Ammonia emissions from industrial facilities

Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) provides detailed information on air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities. The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides access to this information through an online interactive map.

With the CESI interactive map, you can drill down to local areas and obtain details on NH₃ emissions specific to reporting industrial facilities.

Source:  Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Facility Reported Data.

Related indicators

• National Air Pollutant Emissions