Crop Effects on Closed System Element Cycling for Human Life Support in Space

Authors

C. L. Mackowiak, University of FloridaFollow
P. R. Grossl, Utah State University
R. M. Wheeler, NASA Biological Sciences, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2009

Citation

Journal of Plant Nutrition, 32: 318–334, 2009

Comments

U.S. Government Work

Abstract

Nutrient recycling in a space-based Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) will require an understanding of nutrient dosage effects on crop production, plant tissue partitioning, and geochemical fates within crop systems. Sodium (Na⁺), fluoride (F⁻), and iodide (I⁻) are found in human waste streams. These elements were examined using crops in hydroponic systems. Lettuce, radish, spinach, and beet were used to study Na⁺ uptake and tolerance. Spinach, lettuce, and radish growth were inhibited at 8.0 × 10⁻² M Na⁺ compared to the control. Beet growth improved at 2.0 and 4.0 × 10⁻² M Na⁺ compared to the control. Rice plants were used to study F⁻ and I⁻ uptake and tolerance. Rice growth was inhibited at 5.0 × 10⁻⁴ M F⁻ and at 5.0 × 10⁻⁶ M I⁻. Solution redox and sorption reactions were predicted with the aid of a chemical equilibrium model. A simulation model was used to predict element fates.