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Effects of drying on nitrification activity in zeoponic medium used for long-term space missionsOne component of a proposed life support system is the use of zeoponic substrates, which slowly release NH4+ into "soil" solution, for the production of plants. Nitrifying bacteria that convert NH4+ to NO3- are among the important microbial components of these systems. Survival of nitrifying bacteria in dry zeoponic substrates is needed, because the substrate would likely be stored in an air-dry state between croppings. Substrate was enriched for nitrifying bacteria and allowed to air-dry in a laminar flow hood. Stored substrate was analyzed for nitrifier survivability by measuring nitrifier activity at the beginning, 3 days, 1, 2, and 3 weeks. After rewetting, activity was approximately 9 micrograms N g-1 h-1 regardless of storage time. Nitrification rates did not decrease during storage. It seems unlikely that drying between plantings would result in practical reductions in nitrification, and reinoculation with nitrifying bacteria would not be necessary.
Document ID
20050184249
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
McGilloway, R. L.
(College Station TX 77843-2474, United States)
Weaver, R. W.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Habitation (Elmsford, N.Y.)
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1542-9660
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT9-34
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems

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