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Biological degradation and composition of inedible sweetpotato biomassMany challenges are presented by biological degradation in a bioregenerative Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) as envisioned by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In the studies conducted with biodegradative microorganism indigenous to sweetpotato fields, it was determined that a particle size of 75 microns and incubation temperature of 30 degrees C were optimal for degradation. The composition of the inedible biomass and characterization of plant nutrient solution indicated the presence of potential energy sources to drive microbial transformations of plant waste. Selected indigenous soil isolates with ligno-cellulolytic or sulfate-reducing ability were utilized in biological studies and demonstrated diversity in ability to reduce sulfate in solution and to utilize alternative carbon sources: a lignin analog--4-hydroxy, 3-methoxy cinnamic acid, cellulose, arabinose, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, galactose, ascorbic acid.
Document ID
20040121652
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Trotman, A. A.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Almazan, A. M.
Alexander, A. D.
Loretan, P. A.
Zhou, X.
Lu, J. Y.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
Volume: 18
Issue: 2-Jan
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2940
CONTRACT_GRANT: ALX-SP-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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