2:32 PM - 2:47 PM
[HCG25-04] Plant nutrient recovery in controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS)
Keywords:waste biomass, material circulation, space farming
To enable long-term human activities in extraterrestrial environments, the development of Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) is essential. A key component of CELSS is the plant production process, which relies on the efficient recovery and recycling of nutrients from organic waste generated within the system. Achieving stable nutrient supply under limited space and resources requires precise control and management of conventional ecosystem-dependent processes. In particular, the circulation of essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) presents significant challenges. These nutrients become available to plants through microbial processes that involve organic matter decomposition, mineralization, and subsequent conversion into plant-available forms. However, nutrient losses, imbalances, and delays in reaction rates during microbial processing can reduce resource recycling efficiency. Nitrogen is prone to losses through denitrification, resulting in the release of nitrogen gas, while phosphorus tends to become immobilized in insoluble forms, such as phosphate precipitates. Each nutrient, therefore, presents distinct challenges in the recovery process. This presentation discusses key challenges in improving nutrient recycling efficiency within CELSS, focusing on the cycling characteristics of major nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, optimization of microbial processes, and the stability and resilience of the system. Additionally, we explore the importance of integrated system design that accounts for unique environmental factors specific to closed ecosystems and addresses nutrient-nutrient interactions critical for achieving sustainable resource circulation.