Perchlorate on Mars: a chemical hazard and a resource for humans

Perchlorate (ClO4−) is widespread in Martian soils at concentrations between 0.5 and 1%. At such concentrations, perchlorate could be an important source of oxygen, but it could also become a critical chemical hazard to astronauts. In this paper, we review the dual implications of ClO4− on Mars, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of astrobiology 2013-10, Vol.12 (4), p.321-325
Main Authors: Davila, Alfonso F., Willson, David, Coates, John D., McKay, Christopher P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry
Chemicals
Mars
Noncitizens
Perchlorate
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Summary:Perchlorate (ClO4−) is widespread in Martian soils at concentrations between 0.5 and 1%. At such concentrations, perchlorate could be an important source of oxygen, but it could also become a critical chemical hazard to astronauts. In this paper, we review the dual implications of ClO4− on Mars, and propose a biochemical approach for removal of perchlorate from Martian soil that would be energetically cheap, environmentally friendly and could be used to obtain oxygen both for human consumption and to fuel surface operations.
ISSN:1473-5504
1475-3006
DOI:10.1017/S1473550413000189