Plants for water recycling, oxygen regeneration and flood production

The key processes of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS), which rely on higher plants to recycle the carbon dioxide, wash waters, urine and faeces produced by space station personnel, were evaluated. Food production capacity determined the size and energy required for a CELSS that pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Waste management & research 1991-01, Vol.9 (5), p.435-443
Main Author: Bubenheim, D L
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The key processes of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS), which rely on higher plants to recycle the carbon dioxide, wash waters, urine and faeces produced by space station personnel, were evaluated. Food production capacity determined the size and energy required for a CELSS that provided for all human requirements. The inter-relation of varying conditions for growth, energy input, transpiration, air regeneration and system size are considered. The criteria for waste management systems supplying inputs to maintain maximal plant productivity are presented. The need to determine the effects of waste processing on plant performance is stressed. Plant-based life support systems provided the only potential for self-sufficiency and food production for space exploration.
ISSN:0734-242X