Using Microbes to Filter Air in the International Space Station
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
On human ventures into space like on the International Space Station, efficient recycling of air is critical to survival. Currently, the HEPA system filters air while electrolysis produces oxygen from water, both of which are energy-expensive processes. Phytofiltration uses plants and soil microbes to efficiently sequester harmful compounds and C02 and produce oxygen in the same system with little energy input. While this system is efficient, space on the ISS is limited. My research goal is to devise a microbial community with the same functions as a phytofiltration system, including a) activated carbon b) the soil microbes present in a phytofiltration system and c) photosynthetic microbes that fulfill the multicellular plant's role in the system. This system would have all the advantages over the HEPA and electrolysis processes that phytofiltration does, but be more compact.
Biography
Sarah is a transfer student that arrived at Missouri S& Tin January of 2012. She is currently a senior Biological Sciences major and President of the iGEM design team. She participates in on-campus research, and has also been award two summer research internships, one in 2011 at the University of California at Riverside one in 2013 at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO. She aspires toward a career in research where she can utilize her experience in genetic engineering toward goals of environmental sustainability.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Using Microbes to Filter Air in the International Space Station
Upper Atrium/Hallway
On human ventures into space like on the International Space Station, efficient recycling of air is critical to survival. Currently, the HEPA system filters air while electrolysis produces oxygen from water, both of which are energy-expensive processes. Phytofiltration uses plants and soil microbes to efficiently sequester harmful compounds and C02 and produce oxygen in the same system with little energy input. While this system is efficient, space on the ISS is limited. My research goal is to devise a microbial community with the same functions as a phytofiltration system, including a) activated carbon b) the soil microbes present in a phytofiltration system and c) photosynthetic microbes that fulfill the multicellular plant's role in the system. This system would have all the advantages over the HEPA and electrolysis processes that phytofiltration does, but be more compact.
