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Engineering strategies for the design of plant nutrient delivery systems for use in space: approaches to countering microbiological contamination.
- Source :
-
Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) [Adv Space Res] 1996; Vol. 18 (4-5), pp. 5-20. - Publication Year :
- 1996
-
Abstract
- Microbiological contamination of crops within space-based plant growth research chambers has been postulated as a potentially significant problem. Microbial infestations; fouling of Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) fluid loops; and the formation of biofilms have been suggested as the most obvious and important manifestations of the problem. Strict sanitation and quarantine procedures will reduce, but not eliminate, microbial species introduced into plant growth systems in space habitats. Microorganisms transported into space most likely will occur as surface contaminants on spacecraft components, equipment, the crew, and plant-propagative materials. Illustrations of the potential magnitude of the microbiological contamination issue will be drawn from the literature and from documentation of laboratory and commercial field experience. Engineering strategies for limiting contamination and for the development of countermeasures will be described. Microbiological control technologies and NDS hardware will be discussed. Configurations appropriate for microgravity research facilities, as well as anticipated bio-regenerative life support system implementations, will be explored. An efficiently designed NDS, capable of adequately meeting the environmental needs of crop plants in space, is considered to be critical in both the research and operational domains. Recommended experiments, tests, and technology developments, structured to allow the development of prudent engineering solutions also will be presented.
- Subjects :
- Equipment Design
Fungi
Hydroponics methods
Plant Development
Plant Roots microbiology
Quarantine methods
Sanitation methods
Biofilms growth & development
Ecological Systems, Closed
Environmental Microbiology
Hydroponics instrumentation
Life Support Systems instrumentation
Space Flight instrumentation
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0273-1177
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 4-5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11538815
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(95)00857-b