A small closed ecosystem with an estimated portion of human metabolism

Publication date: Available online 9 October 2018Source: Life Sciences in Space ResearchAuthor(s): Alexander A. Tikhomirov, Sofya A. Ushakova, Vladimir V. Velichko, Sergey V. Trifonov, Natalia A. Tikhomirova, Galina S. KalachevaAbstractThe study describes a small closed ecosystem used to test technologies to be further employed in full-scale manned closed ecosystems. The experimental ecosystem is designed to use a certain portion of human metabolism, which is included in the gas, water, and organic waste loops of the system. In this experimental ecosystem, gas and water loops are fully closed, and the model enables processing of human waste and plant inedible biomass. A physicochemical method is used to remove pollutants from the air in the system. A human takes part in the gas exchange of the system through its respiration loop. This experimental ecosystem can be used for testing and improving new technologies to be further used in the future space stations.

Source: Life Sciences in Space Research - October 26, 2018 Category: Biology Source Type: research