The fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and water in the multibiological life support system

Abstract

To establish bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) on lunar or mars bases, firstly, it is necessary to conduct BLSS experiments including humans and various kinds of creatures on the ground. Carbon and nitrogen balances as well as water cycle are the important subjects that need to be studied. To provide basis for establishing a manned BLSS, a multibiological life support system composed of lettuce, silkworm and algae was set up in this study to carry out gas exchange investigation between humans and the system. During this process, the production rate and quality of condensate, substance flows of lettuce, silkworm and algae in and out of the system as well as carbon and nitrogen contents of these substances were studied. Results showed water was completely cycled in the system and condensate quality was relatively good, certain amounts of carbon and nitrogen were accumulated in the system and existed in the form of microorganisms.