[Effectiveness of urine-preserving agents used in water reclamation systems]

The antimicrobial activity of 11 chemicals of different classes was investigated having in view their potential use as urine conserving agents onboard space flying vehicles. The investigations were performed on 8 bacterial cultures, including spore-forming, urease-active bacteria and microorganisms that typically occur in the spacecraft environment. Out of the chemical tested, five haloid-containing agents, primarily oxidative agents, showed the largest spectrum of antimicrobial action and highest bactericidal effect. These agents are recommended to be used as urine conserving agents in water reclamation systems during space flights.