Ammonium Nitrate

About Ammonium Nitrate :-

Ammonium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer in the agricultural industry.

In many countries, its purchase and use are restricted to buyers who have obtained the proper license.

This restriction is primarily because it is an attractive and simple component used in the production of bombs.

It is highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing water from air.

It is dangerous when stored in humid environments, as any absorbed water interferes with its explosive function.

It is also water soluble. When used in wet mining conditions, considerable effort must be taken to dewater boreholes.

ILL Effects /Disasters:- 

Unmixed ammonium nitrate can decompose explosively and has been responsible for several industrial disasters, including the 1947 Texas City disaster in Texas City, Texas, the 2004 Ryongchon disaster in North Korea, and the 2013 West Fertilizer Company explosion in West, Texas.

Environment Hazards :-

Environmental hazards include eutrophication in confined waters and nitrate/gas oil contamination of ground or surface water.

Ammonium nitrate is one of the most powerful improvised explosive and is very dangerous.

 Uses of Ammonium Nitrate in India: 

India consumes 700,000 MT of ammonium nitrate, a raw material for making civil explosives for mining and infrastructure.

Since imports are 15-20% cheaper, explosive manufacturers who supply to mining and infrastructure companies have been lobbying for bulk import, especially in loose form.

Today about 15% of ammonium nitrate consumed in India is imported.

This has come down from 60% in 2010 as domestic capacity has increased.