Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
07:49
On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
Published on: August 5, 2016
Nitrogen dynamics in controlled systems: meeting summary and conclusions
1SETI Institute, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA.
Life Support & Biosphere Science : International Journal of Earth Space
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This meeting summarized nitrogen cycling in controlled systems for NASA life support. Understanding nitrogen
Area of Science:
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Controlled Environment Systems
- Life Support Technology
Background:
- Nitrogen is crucial for biological systems.
- Nitrogen undergoes biotic and abiotic transformations.
- Understanding nitrogen dynamics is vital for closed-system life support.
Purpose of the Study:
- Summarize current data, theories, and hypotheses on nitrogen cycling energetics, dynamics, and stability.
- Inform NASA's development of advanced life support systems.
- Identify future research needs for nitrogen recycling in controlled environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of findings from a September 1995 meeting in Berkeley, CA.
- Synthesis of participant discussions on nitrogen cycling.
- Identification of knowledge gaps and research priorities.
Main Results:
- Current understanding of nitrogen cycling in controlled systems was assessed.
- Key challenges and opportunities for nitrogen management were identified.
- The critical role of nitrogen in life support systems was emphasized.
Conclusions:
- Efficient and reliable life support systems require a thorough understanding of nitrogen cycling.
- Further research is needed to optimize nitrogen regeneration in closed environments.
- Collaboration between scientists and engineers is essential for advancing life support technology.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:49The Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen atoms, present in all proteins and DNA, are recycled between abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem. However, the primary form of nitrogen on Earth is nitrogen gas, which cannot be used by most animals and plants. Thus, nitrogen gas must first be converted into a usable form by nitrogen-fixing bacteria before it can be cycled through other living organisms. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and animal waste products in human agriculture has greatly influenced the...
03:10The Equilibrium Constant
Consider the oxidation of sulfur dioxide:
01:20Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
Nitrogen is a very important element for life because it is a major constituent of proteins and nucleic acids. It is a macronutrient, and in nature, it is recycled from organic compounds and stored in the form of ammonia, ammonium ions, nitrate, nitrite, or nitrogen gas by many metabolic processes. Many of these metabolic processes are carried out only by prokaryotes.
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this nitrogen...
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this nitrogen...
01:22Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme nitrate reductase...
01:26Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is a complex biogeochemical process critical to maintaining the balance of nitrogenous compounds in ecosystems. This cycle involves multiple microbial-mediated transformations through which nitrogen changes oxidation states, supporting essential ecological functions and contributing to plant and microbial growth.Nitrogen Fixation and AmmonificationNitrogen fixation initiates the cycle by converting inert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable ammonia (NH₃), a process...
01:28Bioreactor Controls-I
Maintaining optimal conditions within fermenters is essential for maximizing microbial productivity and ensuring process efficiency. This lesson focuses on key parameters—temperature, foam, pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pressure—and their precise measurement and control strategies in fermentation systems.Temperature ControlTemperature regulation is critical due to the exothermic nature of many fermentation processes. In small laboratory fermenters, temperature is commonly monitored using...