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OUR PROPOSAL:
Title: Biofiltration in Microgravity: Evaluating the Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment Using Chlorella vulgaris and Nitrosomonas sp. in Space
Grades:5-6
Shaler Area Elementary School
Principal Investigator(s): SA 6th Grade Acc Math/GATE students)
Teacher Principal Investigator - Michael Penn
Teacher Facilitator(s): Carter, Daly, Gurekovich, Keenan, McDermott, Weber
Proposal Summary:
Maintaining clean water is critical for long-duration space missions. This experiment investigates the performance of biofiltration, a natural water purification process using microorganisms, in the challenging environment of microgravity. We will construct two identical biofiltration systems, one containing the green algae Chlorella vulgaris and the other containing Nitrosomonas sp. bacteria, both known for their ability to remove contaminants from wastewater. Each system will treat simulated wastewater, with one operating under normal gravity conditions and the other subjected to simulated microgravity using a clinostat. When cleared for flight each system will then be retested using “fresh” astronaut waste obtained from the ISS as this waste was digested in microgravity and contains food formulated for consumption in space. By monitoring water quality parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate) in both systems, we will assess the impact of microgravity on the efficiency of biofiltration for each type of microorganism. This study will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of using biofiltration as a component of bioregenerative life support systems for future space habitats. Furthermore, it will enhance our understanding of how these specific microbial species function in microgravity, contributing to fundamental knowledge in space biology. The findings could also have implications for wastewater treatment technologies on Earth, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Potential Differences in Human Waste in Microgravity:
Fluid Shifts: In microgravity, bodily fluids shift upwards, potentially leading to dehydration. This could result in drier and more concentrated fecal matter.
Altered Gut Microbiome: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion. Microgravity may alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome, potentially affecting nutrient absorption and the types of byproducts produced. This could lead to changes in the consistency, odor, and even the chemical composition of feces.
Bone Loss: Astronauts experience bone loss in space. Some calcium from bone may be excreted, potentially leading to higher calcium content in urine.
Muscle Atrophy: Muscle atrophy also occurs in microgravity. Breakdown of muscle proteins could lead to changes in the nitrogenous waste products in urine.
Reduced Intestinal Motility: Microgravity might affect the rate of digestion and the movement of waste through the intestines. This could lead to changes in bowel movement frequency and the consistency of feces.
Important Considerations:
Limited Data: Research on human waste in space is ongoing, and we still have much to learn about the long-term effects of microgravity on the digestive system.
Individual Variation: Just as on Earth, individual differences in diet, metabolism, and overall health will influence the composition of waste in space.
Countermeasures: Astronauts follow specialized diets and exercise regimens to mitigate some of the negative effects of microgravity. These countermeasures can also influence waste composition.
Research in Progress:
Microbial Studies: Scientists are studying how microgravity affects the gut microbiome and how this might impact waste composition and astronaut health.
Waste Management Systems: Engineers are developing advanced waste management systems for space travel, which will need to account for any differences in waste characteristics in microgravity.
In Summary:
While we can anticipate some potential differences in human waste in microgravity based on our understanding of physiological changes in space, more research is needed to provide definitive answers. This is an active area of investigation, and future studies will help us better understand how to manage waste effectively and maintain astronaut health during long-duration space missions.
Purification of Heavy Metals in Water by Red Algae
Grades 13-15, Kent State University
Co-Principal Investigators: Turaba Rahman, Jaylund Rose, Benjamin Windt
Teacher Facilitator: Hamza Balci
Proposal Summary:
Water purification is a crucial concern in space environments, and understanding how Rhodophyta, or red algae, can contribute to this process holds remarkable importance. Red algae exhibit special characteristics, such as their efficient photosynthetic process in low-light conditions, ability to purify water of metals such as lead and iron, and adaptability in extreme conditions, making them an ideal candidate for this study. This investigation will assess the effectiveness of red algae in removing heavy metals from water, a fundamental requirement for sustainable human habitation in space. By measuring removal of heavy metals in the water in the presence of red algae, the study will shed light on its potential role in mitigating water contamination in space habitats. Furthermore, the experiment will delve into the growth dynamics of red algae under microgravity conditions. Understanding how these organisms adapt and develop in space is essential not only for sustaining life during extended missions but also for advancing our knowledge of biological processes in extraterrestrial environments. The insights gained from this experiment could have far-reaching implications for space exploration and have practical applications on Earth as well. Red algae’s ability to purify water and adapt to microgravity conditions may enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, this research could lead to innovative solutions for water purification and environmental remediation back on Earth, where heavy metal contamination is a global concern.
There are differences observed in fecal matter between males and females, although the extent of these differences can vary based on individual factors like diet, health, and lifestyle. Here are some key distinctions:
1. Frequency and Consistency:
Frequency: On average, women tend to have fewer bowel movements per week than men.
Consistency: Women often report a wider range of stool consistencies (from hard to loose) compared to men, who tend to have stools closer to the middle of the Bristol Stool Chart (a visual guide for classifying stool types). Women are also more prone to constipation.
2. Gut Microbiome:
Composition: Men and women have different compositions of gut bacteria. This can influence the breakdown of food, the production of gas, and the overall characteristics of fecal matter.
Diversity: Women generally have a more diverse gut microbiome than men. This diversity can affect digestion and the types of byproducts produced.
3. Anatomical Differences:
Pelvic Structure: The female pelvis is wider and shaped differently than the male pelvis to accommodate childbirth. This can affect the transit time of stool through the colon and contribute to constipation in women.
Abdominal Wall: Women tend to have less rigid abdominal walls than men, which can also affect bowel movements.
4. Hormonal Influences:
Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect bowel habits in women, leading to changes in stool frequency and consistency.
5. Other Factors:
Diet: Dietary habits play a major role in stool characteristics. Men and women may have different dietary preferences, which can influence their fecal matter.
Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are more prevalent in women and can affect bowel habits.
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