Management of human feces and wastes is a major challenge in space vehicles due to the potential biohazards and malodorous compounds emanating during collection and storage of feces and wastes. To facilitate safe, yet realistic human waste management research, we have previously developed human fecal simulants for research activities.The odoriferous compounds in feces and wastes reduce the quality of life for astronauts, can reduce performance, and can even cause health problems. The major odoriferous compounds of concern belong to four groups of chemicals, volatile fatty acids, volatile sulfurous compounds, nitrogenous compounds and phenols.This paper attempts to review the problem of odor detection and odor control with advanced technology. There has been considerable progress in odor detection and control in the animal industry and in the dental profession. The progress especially in the dental field may be a basis for developing requirements for odor control, measurement of the key odoriferous compounds, development of sensors for monitoring odoriferous compounds and investigating new odor control technology for future space habitats. Some of these monitoring devices, such as the hydrogen sulfide monitors are becoming available as commercial off the shelf (COTS) technology. These could enable improvements to monitoring and control of the system. Another aspect of improving quality of life can focus on positive enhancement of the space systems for improved performance, physical well-being and enhancement of the emotional state of the astronauts during a space mission. Such systems are already being tested on Earth in the form of “aromatherapy” and the principles can be extended to space habitats.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Odors in Space Environments - Sources and Control Strategies


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Conference On Environmental Systems ; 2007



    Publication date :

    2007-07-09




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    About odors -- Their nature, cause and control

    Munkelt, F.H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1946


    Gasoline engine exhaust odors

    Mikita, J.J. / Levin, H. / Kichline, H.R. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1942


    Gasoline engine exhaust odors

    Mikita, J.J. / Levin, H. / Kichline, H.R. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1943


    About odors -- Their nature, cause and control

    Munkelt, F.H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1946


    IDENTIFYING AND MITIGATING VEHICLE ODORS

    MACNEILLE PERRY ROBINSON / SCHEIN VICTORIA LEIGH / YEUNG JEFFREY BRIAN et al. | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access