A small closed ecosystem with an estimated portion of human metabolism.

Alexander A Tikhomirov, Sofya A Ushakova, Vladimir V Velichko, Sergey V Trifonov, Natalia A Tikhomirova, Galina S Kalacheva

Journal: Life sciences in space research 2019;19():63-67

PMID: 30482284

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Abstract

The 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.

Address: Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center SB RAS", Akademgorodok, Krasnoyarsk 660036, Russia. Electronic address: [email protected].; Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center SB RAS", Akademgorodok, Krasnoyarsk 660036, Russia.

DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.10.001

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MeSH Terms: Biodegradation, Environmental, Biomass, Carbon Dioxide, Ecological Systems, Closed, Feces, Humans, Life Support Systems, Manure, Oxygen, Photosynthesis, Plants, Urine, Water