A step towards on-chip biochemical energy cascade of microorganisms: carbon dioxide generation induced by ethanol fermentation in 3D printed modular lab-on-a-chip

<div class="htmlview paragraph">Under the Space Station Freedom Program, Boeing is responsible for Work Package (WP) 01 which includes the Habitat and U.S. Laboratory modules. That responsibility includes the integration of the system components of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). Included in the ECLSS is the Air Revitalization Subsystem (ARS). The ARS provides for removal and reduction of metabolic carbon dioxide, removal of trace contaminants, continuous monitoring of the cabin atmosphere composition and oxygen generation. This paper will focus on the oxygen generation aspect of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) ARS.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">A Static Feed Water Electrolysis System (SFWES) has been selected by Boeing as the oxygen generator for SSF. The SFWES generates oxygen and hydrogen by the electrolysis of water. Onboard SSF, the feedwater to be electrolyzed will be obtained from the potable water processor. Oxygen will be produced at a level to support astronaut metabolic consumption, animal metabolic consumption, experiment ingestion, cabin leakage and airlock loss. The hydrogen byproduct of the oxygen generation will be provided to the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Subassembly wherein the hydrogen will be reacted with concentrated carbon dioxide to form recyclable water and waste methane.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">To date, the SFWES has completed the first phase of ECLSS testing known as the Comparative Test and is currently under test in the Predevelopment Operational Systems Test (POST). SSF is being designed for a crew of 4 astronauts with scarring in place to allow growth to the Eight Man Crew Capability (EMCC) configuration. With regard to the POST test, the oxygen generator will be tested to verify the “scarring” interfaces for the EMCC configuration. Both the Comparative Test and the POST oxygen generators are comprised of 24-cell modules with individual cell active areas of 0.023 m<sup>2</sup> (0.25 ft<sup>2</sup> ) These oxygen generators have an oxygen generation capacity of 11.12 to 14.72 lb/day. This paper will discuss the technology and operation of the SFWES, results of testing to date, and the viability of the SFWES as the oxygen generator for Space Station Freedom.</div>

Second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of mucormycosis: Lessons learnt and future preparedness: Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA National) Advisory and Position Statement.

Chapter 11 - Production of fine chemicals from renewable feedstocks through the engineering of artificial enzyme cascades

The Life Support Rack (LSR), previously known as the Advanced Closed Loop System (ACLS), is a European regenerative life support system for air revitalization in closed habitats. It is classified as a technology demonstrator with the purpose to test three air revitalization functions combined in only one rack: carbon dioxide removal from cabin air, oxygen generation, and carbon dioxide reprocessing with hydrogen to water and methane. Subject to preventive maintenance on Life Limited Items, the LSR flight model is qualified for an in-orbit operational lifetime of ten years. Being launched in 2018 with JAXA’s HTV 7, the system has come to an early end-of-life after six years on-board the International Space Station. The paper presents an overview over the successful operation of the LSR during the commissioning phase: - Stand-alone utilization of the different subsystems and operation modes -- Carbon dioxide removal -- Oxygen generation -- Water generation by carbon dioxide reprocessing - Combined operations of the above listed functions Additionally, a summary of technical and operational challenges, implemented solutions, as well as lessons learnt accumulated within these 6 years are presented in this paper: - Filter clogging and water membrane pump failure in the water loop - Hydrogen sensor cross sensitivity with water - Water separation issues in the carbon dioxide reprocessing system - Power trips - S/W issues experienced after an upgrade of the LSR’s operating system. Finally, the H/W failures, which led to an early decommissioning of LSR are described.

The presence of carbon dioxide in the Malay Basin has often raised queries regarding its origin and distribution. Accumulations in the Malay Basin have been shown to originate from both organic and inorganic sources (Figure 1). Organic sources comprise the decomposition of organic matter with increasing as well as the cracking of hydrocarbon products at high temperatures. Inorganic sources include the thermal breakdown of calcareous shales and limestones, as well as the diagenetic reactions in siliciclastic rocks whereby carbonate minerals such as siderite, dolomite and calcite in clastic sediments react with silicates at temperatures greater than 320°C to generate carbon dioxide. In addition, carbon dioxide contents in both associated and non-associated gases in the Malay Basin can vary up to a maximum of 90%. Our studies indicate that it is erroneous to generalise that carbon dioxide occurrences increase with increasing depth. Another important observation is that low carbon dioxide percentages (less than 20%) do not necessarily indicate an organic origin. However, in most cases where the carbon dioxide contents are greater than 40%, more often than not, they are of inorganic origin. Modeling of the Malay Basin’s hydrocarbon and inorganic carbon dioxide generation was performed using personalised kerogen kinetic parameters and carbonate decompositional kinetic parameters of actual Malay Basin’s samples. The former were determined for the Bergading Deep-1 Group E coals, Beranang 6F- 18.1 Group I fluviodeltaic coaly shales and Bunga Raya-1 Group K lacustrine shales (Figure 2). For the assessment of carbon dioxide generation from carbonates, the decompositional kinetic parameters were determined for the Bunga Raya-1 Group M calcareous shales and limestones. These new kinetics data provide a better control on the results of the carbon dioxide generation modeling as they are specific to the Malay Basin samples. Additionally, predictions of carbon dioxide generation were also determined from modeling the diagenetic reactions within the penetrated sediments using the method of Cathles & Schoell (PGCE 2006). Three locations were selected for the carbon dioxide kinetics modeling, namely Bujang Deep, Angsi and Bunga Raya. Using the newly-acquired kinetic parameters, we were able, for the first time, to determine the timing of inorganic carbon dioxide generation and expulsion as well as its most likely origin in these areas. To ascertain the trapping feasibility of the generated carbon dioxide, the resulting timings were compared with the thermal subsidence and basin inversion of the Malay Basin which occurred between 21 Ma to 6 Ma, with peak trap formation at around 16 Ma. Based on the carbonate decompositional kinetics modeling, the carbon dioxide observed in Bujang Deep should have a mixed origin due to expulsion from the following: both the Group M calcareous shales and limestones at 21 Ma and 20 Ma, respectively (Figure 3), and from the Group K siliciclastic reactions at 14 Ma. The origins were validated by actual measured data whereby the Bujang δ13CCO2 fall within -3 to -6o/oo isotope values, indicating an inorganic origin. There are also carbon dioxide samples with isotope values of - 11.4 and -12.2o/oo, suggesting a mixed origin. The Dulang, Semangkok and Tangga fields located within the middle part of the Malay Basin also exhibit high carbon dioxide occurrences (Figure 1). In the Angsi area, the kinetics modeling indicated that the carbon dioxide encountered by the well should have a strong inorganic influence due to the thermal breakdown of the Group M limestones (Figure 4). Modeling indicated the timing of expulsion to be around 14 Ma. Carbon dioxide contributions may also be expected from the Group M calcareous shale but, since it was generated much earlier than the trap formation at 24 Ma, it is presumably lost. With the bottom temperature of the section being only at 200°C, the diagenetic reactions have not yet started. Traditionally, the carbon dioxide contents of Angsi-1 of less than 20% would be thought of as suggestive of an organic origin. However, the δ13CCO2 values range of between of -5 and -7o/oo tell a different story; these carbon dioxide gases are actually of inorganic origin. Kinetic modeling results corroborate with this indication, thus validating the model. The Bunga Raya kinetics modeling results suggest an inorganic origin for the carbon dioxide observed in the Bunga Raya-1 well, by virtue of being sourced from the Group M limestone at 2 Ma (Figure 5). Again, diagenetic reactions did not contribute to the carbon dioxide accumulation in Bunga Raya.

In situ resource utilization (ISRU) is the practice of generating resources when humans are away from Earth. The goals of ISRU include the generation of rocket propellants, building materials, and life sustaining commodities from such resources as the Mars atmosphere, lunar regolith, and even trash. There are many technology options that are currently at different technology readiness levels. This talk will review some of the more mature ISRU technologies and show were electrochemical processes have the potential to be a better option. The generation of oxygen from lunar regolith has been demonstrated using hydrogen and carbothermal reduction processes. Electrolysis of regolith when it is molten or dissolved has the potential for increased yields. Propellant production on Mars can be achieved through capture of carbon dioxide from the Mars atmosphere and water from the Mars soil. The water is split to oxygen and hydrogen, which is used to reduce carbon dioxide to methane, resulting in production of methane and oxygen. The co-electrolysis of carbon dioxide and water can produce methane and oxygen in a single process vessel, reducing the complexity of the overall system. Recent work has shown that this can be done when carbon dioxide is dissolved in an ionic liquid. The same ionic liquid shows a high capacity for carbon dioxide uptake and can be used to collect carbon dioxide. Because ISRU systems are extremely mass constrained, there is a need for gas and water cleanup methods that do not use consumables. Some of the ISRU cleanup challenges and potential solutions, such as electro-dialysis to clean water, will be discussed.

Four hydrogen-producing, aerotolerant, anaerobic bacterial strains isolated from chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Three of the strains, designated BL-18, BL-19 and BL-20(T), were found to be identical in 16S rRNA gene sequences and in phenotypic properties. Cells of these strains are Gram-positive-staining, spore-forming, motile rods with peritrichous flagella. Growth occurred at 15-40 degrees C, pH 5.0-10.0 and at NaCl concentrations up to 5 % (w/v). Acid was produced in fermentation of cellobiose, fructose, galactose (weak), glucose, maltose and salicin. Products of fermentation in PYG medium were acetate, butyrate, ethanol, formate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Dominant cellular fatty acids when grown in PYG medium were C(13 : 0) iso, C(16 : 0), C(13 : 0) anteiso, C(15 : 0) iso and C(15 : 0) anteiso. The genomic DNA G+C content was 30.4 mol%. These isolates can be differentiated from their closest phylogenetic relative, the cluster I Clostridium species Clostridium frigidicarnis (97.2 % similar to the type strain in 16S rRNA gene sequence), on the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties. The other strain characterized in this study, BL-28(T), was Gram-positive-staining with spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Growth occurred at 15-46 degrees C, pH 6.0-8.5 and at NaCl concentrations up to 3 % (w/v). Acid was produced from cellobiose, dextran, fructose (weak), glucose, maltose, salicin and trehalose. End products of PYG fermentation included acetate, butyrate, pyruvate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Dominant cellular fatty acids from cells grown in PYG medium at 30 degrees C were C(14 : 0), C(14 : 0) dimethyl aldehyde, C(16 : 0) and C(12 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 28.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BL-28(T) falls within cluster I of the genus Clostridium, but with <or=95.2 % identity with previously described species. On the basis of results presented here, strains BL-20(T) (=NRRL B-51348(T) =DSM 21757(T)) and BL-28(T) (=NRRL B-51352(T) =DSM 21758(T)) are proposed as the type strains of novel species of the genus Clostridium with the names Clostridium hydrogeniformans sp. nov. and Clostridium cavendishii sp. nov., respectively.

Introduction High-temperature co-electrolysis, in which carbon dioxide is electrolyzed with water vapor using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), is currently attracting attention as a technology for effective utilization of carbon dioxide. In ground-based operation, regeneration of carbon dioxide into a wide variety of hydrocarbons with high efficiency can be achieved by integrating the co-electrolysis device and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesizer to recycle waste heat. On the other hand, operation in outer space has also been discussed. In contrast to oxygen generation using polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis, the conventional technology of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) used on the International Space Station (ISS), the solid oxide co-electrolysis can produce oxygen not only from water vapor but also from carbon dioxide in human breath. This co-electrolysis technology is in principle free from the two-phase reaction, which is hard to handle in microgravity, and then expected to reduce the number of components required leading to minimization and optimization of size, weight, and power consumption of air revitalization ECLSS. As it is necessary to clarify the characteristics of the solid oxide co-electrolysis cells to design a co-electrolysis system, and calculate efficiency numerically, we aim to obtain and quantify the electrochemical properties of the fuel electrodes by measuring the I-V characteristics and calculating the exchange current density of the co-electrolysis SOEC under operating conditions close to those of actual operation assumed in space. With the experimental results, we also aim for modeling of air regeneration system including solid oxide co-electrolysis cell for the realization of the system. Experimental The tested electrolyte-supported solid oxide cell consists of Ni-YSZ (8 mol%Y2O3 – 92 mol%ZrO2) cermet, a composite of Ni and YSZ, as fuel electrode, YSZ plate as electrolyte, and LSCF ((La0.6Sr0.4)(Co0.2Fe0.8)O3) as air electrode. Gas mixture of hydrogen, vapor, carbon-dioxide, and nitrogen were supplied to the fuel electrode with the total flow rate of 100 ml min-1. On the other hand, dry air was supplied to the air electrode with the total flow rate of 150 ml min-1. I-V curve and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) were obtained using a electrochemical measurement system Solartron 1255WB (Solartron, UK). The EIS results were put into distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis for separation of the polarization resistance. A phenomenological exchange current density equation of the fuel electrode was obtained by regression analysis based on the experimental results [1-3]. System Modeling and Simulation Referring to the current ECLSS model published by JAXA [4,5], a Carbon Dioxide Removal System (CDRS), Oxygen Generation System (OGS), and Carbon Dioxide Reduction System (CRS) were constructed on chemical engineering simulation software (Aspen Plus Ver. 14). For OGS, we made models of the current polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis and the future solid oxide co-electrolysis, and therefore some changes were made to improve heat management. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the OGS with co-electrolysis SOEC. The CDRS, OGS, and CRS models were integrated to study the overall energy efficiency, water yield, and number and size of components. Here, assuming the ECLSS to sustain the lives of four astronauts, the optimal operating conditions were studied by fixing the amount of carbon dioxide gas and oxygen production in the system and varying the water inflow rate and operating temperature as parameters. Results and Discussion The results of the system heat and mass balance calculations show that, with rigorous thermal management, energy savings of about 400 W and overall energy efficiencies of over 95% can be achieved. This is predicted that it is due to factors such as the high-temperature operation of the co-electrolysis SOEC and the heat generated when producing methane. On the other hand, more heat exchangers are required for heat management than in the conventional system, and the miniaturization of the system remains an issue. In the presentation, experimental results simulating actual operating conditions and optimal operating conditions will also be discussed. Reference [1] T. Fukumoto, N. Endo, K. Natsukoshi, Y. Tachikawa, G.F. Harrington, S.M. Lyth, J. Matsuda, and K. Sasaki, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 47 (37), 16626-16639 (2022).[2] K. Takino, Y. Tachikawa, K. Mori, S.M. Lyth, Y. Shiratori, S. Taniguchi, and K. Sasaki, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 45 (11), 6912-6925 (2020).[3] W. Dreyer, C. Guhtke, and R. Müller, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 18, 24966-24983 (2016).[4] S. Futamura, M. Akashi, Y. Shido, K. Hirai, C. Yamazaki, S. Matsumoto, and H. Saruwatari, Proceedings of 73rd IAC, IAC-22-B3.7.1 (2022).[5] C. Yamazaki, S. Futamura, T. Oka, S. Matsumoto, A. Shima, M. Sakurai, and S. Nakanoya, Proceedings of 50th ICES, ICES-2021-181 (2021). Acknowledgement This work is partially supported by the Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center (TansaX), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) through RFP Collaboration Project. Figure 1

Handmade oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors for monitoring the photosynthesis process as instruction material for science education

A history of research on yeasts 2: Louis Pasteur and his contemporaries, 1850-1880

An important goal of most photosynthetic models is to predict photosynthetic energy available for plant metabolism. Earlier workers studying quantum efficiency of conversion of light to photosynthetic energy encountered considerable philosophical and experimental difficulties, which have not yet been resolved (Rabinowitch, 1945; Kok, 1972). Oxygen or carbon dioxide exchange of intact organs is typically used as a measure of photosynthetic production of energy. However, difficulties are created by consumption or generation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and energy by nonphotosynthetic metabolism within a plant organ. Experimentally, the assumption is and has been that light respiration is equivalent to the dark respiration of a photosynthetic system shortly after the light has been shut off. The frustrating question for many years has been: Is light respiration different from dark respiration of previously irradiated plant organs ?

&lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Carbon dioxide reduction in a closed loop life support system recovers water from otherwise waste carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Incorporation of a carbon dioxide reduction assembly (CRA) into the International Space Station life support system frees up thousands of pounds of payload capacity in the supporting Space Shuttle that would otherwise be required to transport water. Achievement of this water recovery goal requires coordination of the CRA design to work within the existing framework of the interface systems that are either already on orbit or well advanced in their development; namely, the Oxygen Generator Assembly (OGA), Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) and Water Processor Assembly (WPA).&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;The Oxygen Generation System (OGS) rack is in its final design phase and is scarred to accept later installation of the CRA. The CRA includes two major subassemblies: the CO2 Management System (CMS), which compresses and stores carbon dioxide, and the Sabatier reactor assembly, which reacts the CO2 with hydrogen to form water and methane. The methane is vented as a waste gas but the water is recovered for reuse. The Advanced Life Support group at the Johnson Space Center is funding the preliminary design and development phase of the CRA. The development tasks are being implemented through the Marshall Space Flight Center Node 3 program with Hamilton Sundstrand.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;This paper reports the current status of the Sabatier reactor and CO2 compressor systems definition and their integration within the air revitalization system (ARS). It will discuss issues of communication and interfaces between systems and prediction of overall system performance. Also discussed are system layout and packaging, and scarring that has been included in the oxygen generation system (OGS) rack to accommodate eventual installation of the CRA.&lt;/div&gt;

&lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;One of the most closely related system to the life of crew in a manned spacecraft is the Environment Control and Life Support System. ECLSS includes such functions as temperature control, humidity control, pressure control, air circulation, carbon dioxide removal and concentration, carbon dioxide reduction and oxygen generation, and contamination control. The first Japanese space habitable system called JEM (Japanese Experimental Module) will be operated by being attached to the U.S. Space Station. Several functions such as CO2 and trace contaminant control are considered in JEM. while others are dependent on the U.S. module. (&lt;u&gt;&lt;span class="xref"&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/u&gt;)&lt;span class="xref"&gt;*&lt;/span&gt; It is necessary to expand ECLS functions for the future Japanese peculiar space station.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Solid Amine water desorbed carbon dioxide removal and concetration test bed using heat recovery provision for the energy saving operation has been successfully tested with more than 99% of carbon dioxide concentration purity. Sabatier carbon dioxide reduction test bed including Methane cracking function has demonstrated high efficiencies over 99% both for solid carbon production and water recovery. Water electrolysis oxygen generation device using Nafion membrane as solid electrolite has shown low voltage characteristics to produce oxygen for cabin air and hydrogen for subsequent Sabatier reaction. Trace contaminant control system using improved activated carbon combined with catalytic oxidization process presented significant effect to reduce most of the trace contaminants considered in habitable area.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;This paper describes recent study achievement in key technologies necessary to establish air revitalization system of the ECLSS for the future Japanese space station.&lt;/div&gt;

Environmental issues are too important for the modern world, especially for Ukraine. This topic, despite its relevance, is far from complete. One of the most effective methods of solving these problems is environmental taxation, which makes it possible to introduce regulatory levers of influence on consumers of Natural Resources. Different countries have developed their own approaches to the implementation of tax methods in the mechanism of environmental relations between the state and its counterparties. At the same time, other alternative schemes of these relationships are being introduced. Environmental tax rates in Ukraine lag behind European ones (which is an additional, too influential reason for slowing down in solving environmental problems), and given the European choice of Ukraine, it is relevant to review the current environmental tax rates. This is exactly the goal set in this study. The economic interests of the state and its counterparty consist in determining the amount of ecosystem payments for natural resources, the essence of which is their intended purpose ‒ the preservation, reproduction or restoration of ecosystems, their potential and functions. The authors prove that the current procedure for determining the cost of natural resources through their prime cost is fundamentally wrong and erroneous in its essence, since it does not meet their regulatory purpose. The fundamental reform of the sphere of environmental taxation should take into account: first, the presence of state ownership of Natural Resources in Ukraine; second, the definition of environmental payments as the cost of ecosystem services provided by the relevant ecosystems; third, the need to introduce market elements in the pricing system for these services. Using the example of forest resources, the author's own approach is justified and our own methodology for determining ecosystem payments as the cost of ecosystem services provided by these resources to their consumers is proposed. The cost of ecosystem services for forest ecosystems consists of the cost of assimilation services (absorption of harmful substances by forest ecosystems – carbon dioxide) and the cost of oxygen-producing services (generation of oxygen by them). This ensures that not only and not so much the level of cost of Natural Resources is taken into account, but also, importantly, the use value of ecosystem services provided to consumers by ecosystems. However, the cost of Ecosystem Services determined in this way should be considered as the minimum allowable (basic) level of their price. In the future, to respond to the ratio of supply and demand in the ecosystem services market, it is proposed to apply additional elements of the tender pricing procedure, which brings the process of estimating the cost of these services closer to fairer pricing. The authors believe that the mechanism of tender adjustment, provided that the auction price increases above the minimum allowable (basic) level, is a kind of tender protection of the state's interests in establishing these payments.

The irradiation of pure molecular oxygen (O(2)) and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) ices with 5 keV H(+) and He(+) ions was investigated experimentally to simulate the chemical processing of oxygen rich planetary and interstellar surfaces by exposure to galactic cosmic ray (GCR), solar wind, and magnetospheric particles. Deposited at 12 K under ultra-high vacuum conditions (UHV), the irradiated condensates were monitored on-line and in situ in the solid-state by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing the formation of ozone (O(3)) in irradiated oxygen ice; and ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), and cyclic carbon trioxide (c-CO(3)) in irradiated carbon dioxide. In addition to these irradiation products, evolution of gas-phase molecular hydrogen (H(2)), atomic helium (He) and molecular oxygen (O(2)) were identified in the subliming oxygen and carbon dioxide condensates by quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). Temporal abundances of the oxygen and carbon dioxide precursors and the observed molecular products were compiled over the irradiation period to develop reaction schemes unfolding in the ices. These reactions were observed to be dependent on the generation of atomic oxygen (O) by the homolytic dissociation of molecular oxygen induced by electronic, S(e), and nuclear, S(n), interaction with the impinging ions. In addition, the destruction of the ozone and carbon trioxide products back to the molecular oxygen and carbon dioxide precursors was promoted over an extended period of ion bombardment. Finally, destruction and formation yields were calculated and compared between irradiation sources (including 5 keV electrons) which showed a surprising correlation between the molecular yields (∼10(-3)-10(-4) molecules eV(-1)) created by H(+) and He(+) impacts. However, energy transfer by isoenergetic, fast electrons typically generated ten times more product molecules per electron volt (∼10(-2)-10(-3) molecules eV(-1)) than exposure to the ions. Implications of these findings to Solar System chemistry are also discussed.