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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Chemical Gardens as Flow-through Reactors Simulating Natural Hydrothermal Systems
Published on: November 18, 2015
Next generation physico-chemical systems for water reclamation aboard spacecraft, lunar and planetary habitats
1UMPQUA Research Company, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457, USA. atwaterj@ccmail.orst.edu
Abstract:
The extent to which bioregenerative processes will be incorporated into future life support systems is not known. Until biologically based processes reach a higher state of readiness, more advanced physico-chemical systems will be required that are capable of reliable operation for long periods with a minimal resupply penalty by minimizing the requirement for expendables. Water reclamation systems must perform three primary functions: 1) removal of suspended solids, 2) removal of dissolved contaminants, 3) and control of microbial growth. In this article, regenerable physico-chemical systems capable of performing these tasks are discussed. These systems may be appropriate for near-term deployments such as a space station retrofit, a lunar outpost, or a Mars transit vehicle.
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