Abstract: Fixed ammonia in an aqueous stream is converted to free ammonia in solution by mixing the stream with a lime slurry in a mixing zone. The resulting liquid mixture is heated by contact with steam-containing gas to a temperature of at least about 95.degree. C. to form a heated liquid mixture containing free ammonia in solution and an ammonia-rich product vapor. A portion of the heated liquid mixture is withdrawn and is contacted with steam in a packed stripping zone to produce liquid waste and vapor containing free ammonia and steam. At least a portion of the vapor from the stripper is used as steam-containing gas for heating the liquid mixture. Ammonia is recovered from ammonia-rich product vapor withdrawn from the mixing zone.