AbstractThe purpose of this work was to develop technology for recycling NaCl containing in human liquid waste as intrasystem matter in a bioregenerative life support system (BLSS). The circulation of Na+ and Cl excreted in urine is achieved by inclusion of halophytes, i.e. plants that naturally inhabit salt-rich soils and accumulate NaCl in their organs. A model of Na+ and Cl recycling in a BLSS was designed, based on the NaCl turnover in the human–urine–nutrient solution–halophytic plant–human cycle. The study consisted of (i) selecting a halophyte suitable for inclusion in a BLSS, and (ii) determining growth conditions supporting maximal Na+ and Cl accumulation in the shoots of the halophyte growing in a nutrient solution simulating mineralized urine. For the selected halophytic plant, Salicornia europaea, growth rate under optimal conditions, biomass production and quantities of Na+ and Cl absorbed were determined. Characteristics of a plant production conveyor consisting of S. europaea at various ages, and allowing continuity of Na+ and Cl turnover, were estimated. It was shown that closure of the NaCl cycle in a BLSS can be attained if the daily ration of fresh Salicornia biomass for a BLSS inhabitant is approximately 360g.


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    Title :

    Use of halophytic plants for recycling NaCl in human liquid waste in a bioregenerative life support system



    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 46 , 6 ; 768-774


    Publication date :

    2010-03-12


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English