A Compact Monitor for Ethylene and Other Plant-Produced Volatile Organic Compounds for NASA Space Missions
Vladimir Dobrokhotov1, Alexander Larin2, Elena Viugina3
1Applied Physics Institute, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2023
Summary
NASA
Area of Science:
- Space agriculture
- Analytical chemistry
- Instrument development
Background:
- Traditional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems are unsuitable for space applications due to size, weight, and maintenance requirements.
- Ethylene monitoring is crucial for managing plant growth and preventing spoilage in controlled environments like space greenhouses.
- NASA requires compact, reliable instruments for in-situ monitoring of atmospheric conditions during space missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, battery-powered analytical instrument for real-time ethylene monitoring in space greenhouses.
- To overcome the limitations of traditional ethylene measurement techniques in microgravity environments.
- To enable automated monitoring and control of ethylene levels for optimizing vegetable cultivation in space.
Main Methods:
- Development of a portable gas chromatograph using ambient air as a carrier gas.
- Integration of a metal oxide semiconductor sensor for ethylene detection.
- Utilized a CarboWax 20 M packed column and Tenax TA pre-concentrator for enhanced sensitivity.
- Automated data acquisition and reporting using a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and touchscreen interface.
Main Results:
- Achieved a limit of detection of 20 parts per billion (ppb) for ethylene.
- Demonstrated a compact, robust, and battery-powered ethylene monitoring system.
- Successfully automated the measurement and reporting process.
- Laid the groundwork for an industrial-grade ethylene monitoring and removal system for greenhouses.
Conclusions:
- The developed compact analytical instrument is suitable for monitoring ethylene in space-based agricultural applications.
- The system offers a viable alternative to bulky laboratory-based instruments for space missions.
- The technology supports the development of advanced life support systems for long-duration space exploration and habitation.
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