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Semi-continuous fermentation of solid waste in closed artificial ecosystem: Microbial diversity, function genes

Dianlei Liu1, Beizhen Xie2, Yingying Dong1

  • 1School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.

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|May 17, 2020
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Summary

Solid waste treatment in bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) was studied. Microbial communities and metabolic pathways were analyzed, revealing selective enrichment and degradation mechanisms crucial for space survival.

Keywords:
Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS)Functional genesMetabolic pathwaysMicrobial communitySolid waste

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Area of Science:

  • Microbial Ecology
  • Biotechnology
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) are essential for long-duration space missions, providing resources like oxygen and food.
  • Effective solid waste treatment is a critical bottleneck for BLSS efficiency and sustainability.
  • Understanding microbial dynamics in waste processing is key to optimizing BLSS performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microbial community structure, functional genes, and metabolic pathways during solid waste treatment in a ground-based BLSS.
  • To identify key microbial players and their roles in degrading waste materials within the BLSS.
  • To provide insights into metabolic regulation for enhanced waste management in closed ecological systems.

Main Methods:

  • A semi-continuous bio-convertor was used to process solid wastes (wheat straw, human and mealworm feces) for 105 days.
  • Microbial community composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
  • Functional gene abundance and metabolic pathways were predicted using bioinformatics tools.

Main Results:

  • Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla across all samples.
  • Significant shifts in microbial community structure at the genus level indicated selective enrichment over time.
  • Functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism were more abundant at 45 and 70 days, suggesting active degradation processes.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the microbial dynamics and metabolic processes involved in solid waste treatment within a BLSS.
  • Selective microbial enrichment plays a vital role in waste degradation, contributing to resource recovery.
  • Findings support the optimization of waste management strategies for future space exploration and closed ecological systems.