Sodium and potassium uptake of Ulva – Application of marine macro-algae for space agriculture |
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Authors: | M. Yamashita K. Tomita-Yokotani H. Hashimoto N. Sawaki M. Notoya |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration agency (JAXA), Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-8510, Japan;2. University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan;3. Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan |
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Abstract: | The treatment of sodium, Na, and potassium, K, presents a challenge in space agriculture material recycling, as humans require Na and plants cannot grow at high Na concentrations. Hence, we are proposing the use of marine macro-algae to harvest K and other minerals from composted human waste. Ulva was selected for this feasibility study, since it tolerates a wide range of salinity levels. Growth capability of Ulva was examined under various total salinity levels and proportions of Na and K in the incubation medium. A homeostatic feature of Ulva was found in its intra-cellular concentration of Na and K, and in the intra-cellular ratio between Na and K (at 0.58 ± 0.30, lower than that of human metabolic waste). Intracellular concentration of K in Ulva is 20 times higher than seawater. Because of these characteristics, Ulva is a good candidate species for space agriculture. |
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Keywords: | Space agriculture Marine algae Sodium |
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