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A bioreactor system for the nitrogen loop in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System.
M M Saulmon1, K F Reardon, W Z Sadeh
1Center for Engineering Infrastructure and Sciences in Space, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Recycling nitrogen from urine in space is crucial for long-duration missions. A three-step bioreactor system efficiently converts urea to nitrates, essential plant nutrients, meeting space application requirements.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration
- Biotechnology
- Environmental engineering
Background:
- Long-duration space missions necessitate advanced waste recycling systems.
- Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) integrate human and plant modules for resource sustainability.
- Urine represents a significant waste stream containing valuable nitrogen compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and model a biological process for recycling nitrogenous waste (urea) from urine.
- To optimize a bioreactor system for efficient nitrogen recovery in space applications.
- To address key design parameters including reaction segregation, reactor type, volume, and pressure drop.
Main Methods:
- A three-step biological process was designed for urea recycling.
- A packed-bed bioreactor system was modeled to evaluate process efficiency.
- Key design considerations such as reactor configuration and support particle size were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A bioreactor system comprising three stages was recommended for volume minimization.
- The recommended system includes immobilized urease, ammonia-to-nitrite conversion, and nitrite-to-nitrate conversion reactors.
- The proposed system effectively addresses reaction step segregation and reactor design parameters.
Conclusions:
- The developed three-step bioprocess is suitable for nitrogen recycling in space missions.
- This biological approach supports the sustainability of Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS).
- Efficient nitrogen recovery from urine is vital for supporting plant growth in extraterrestrial environments.