Nitrogen dynamics in controlled systems: meeting summary and conclusions

This article summarizes the findings of a meeting held during September 1995, in Berkeley, CA. The purpose of the meeting was to provide NASA with a summary of the current data, theories, and hypotheses concerning the energetics, dynamics, and stability of nitrogen cycling in controlled systems. NASA's interest stems from the development of advanced life support systems that must recycle and/or regenerate all life support materials. Nitrogen is an important element in biological systems; it undergoes a variety of transformations during both biotic and abiotic processes and, hence, an understanding of its dynamic changes in a closed system is critical to the design of efficient and reliable life support systems. This article reviews the meeting goals and objectives, summarizes the findings of the participants, and outlines future research needs.