Sebastian Hippel, Clemens Jauch

Wind Energy • 2019

Abstract In this paper, the impact on the mechanical loads of a wind turbine due to a previously proposed hydraulic‐pneumatic flywheel system is analysed. Load simulations are performed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5‐MW wind turbine using fatigue, aerodynamics, structures, and turbulence (FAST). It is discussed why FAST is applied although it cannot simulate variable rotor inertia. Several flywheel configurations, which increase the rotor inertia of the 5‐MW wind turbine by 15%, are implemented in the 61.5‐m rotor blade. Load simulations are performed twice for each configuration: Firstly, the flywheel system is discharged, and secondly, the flywheel is charged. The change in ultimate and fatigue loads on the tower, the low speed shaft, and the rotor blades is juxtaposed for all flywheel configurations. As the blades are mainly affected by the flywheel system, the increase in ultimate and fatigue loads of the blade is evaluated. Simulation results show that the initial design of the flywheel system causes the lowest impact on the mechanical loads of the rotor blades although this configuration is the heaviest.

Gaurav Gadhiya, Uravshi Patel, Pushpendra Singh Chauhan

Annals of Arid Zone • 2024

The constant rise in fuel prices and the impact of emissions from fuel into the atmosphere made has it necessary to look at solar energy as a source of power. The fossil fuel-powered lawn mowers have a tendency to freeze and not operate in the chilly and harsh atmosphere besides causing air pollution and noise pollution. The objective of this research was to design and develop a lawn cutting machine powered by solar energy and is user-and environmentally friendly, less noisy and lighter in weight. The designed lawn mower comprises one brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, solar panel, battery and charge controller. The solar lawn mower has an efficiency of 81.33%. The developed model can used in playgrounds, lawns, and golf courses to achieve environmental sustainability goals, save energy, minimise noise pollution.

Masaya Matsuki, Shusaku Hirakawa

Water Science & Technology • 2023

Abstract Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) represent a burgeoning technology that allows the remediation of sediments, such as nutrient suppression, while concurrently generating electricity. However, there is a limitation in that the nutrient suppression effect is restricted to a narrow range near the electrode. To address this issue, we developed an SMFC-aeration system, which intermittently aerates the overlying water with the power of SMFCs, thereby enhancing the nutrient suppression effect of SMFCs. The SMFC-aeration system achieved stable charge/discharge cycles through a capacitor-based circuit and aerated the overlying water. The dissolved NH4+ and NO2- concentrations in the overlying water decreased. Suppression in the dissolved NH4+ concentration near the anodes was also noticed compared to a consortium that employed only SMFCs. These findings were brought about by the synergistic effect of the SMFC-aeration system, which enabled the remediation of sediments and overlying water. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the intermittent operation of pumps by SMFCs, the increase of DO, and nutrient suppression. The SMFC-aeration system holds great potential as an environmental remediation method in closed-water areas in the future.

Ch Venkateswara Rao, Somarouthu V G V A Prasad

Solar Thermal Technologies and Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials for High-Efficiency Electric and Solar Mobility • 2025

The integration of solar-powered hydrogen fuel cells with advanced phase change materials (PCMs) represents a promising frontier in the pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions. This chapter explores the critical intersection of renewable energy conversion, efficient hydrogen storage, and intelligent system management to address key challenges in clean mobility. Emphasis is placed on the role of PCMs in enhancing thermal regulation and safety during hydrogen storage, while algorithmic intelligence—including machine learning and real-time monitoring—enables optimized hydrogen production and system reliability. By the chapter underscores the significance of social pedagogy frameworks to foster public awareness, trust, and participatory engagement essential for widespread adoption. By bridging cutting-edge technological advancements with data-driven decision-making and inclusive social strategies, this work presents a comprehensive roadmap for accelerating the transition to low-carbon transport infrastructures. The insights offered aim to guide future research, policy development, and industrial applications, ensuring that hydrogen technologies fulfill their potential as scalable, safe, and socially accepted solutions within the global energy landscape.

Elyor Shukurov, Taiwo Bamgboye, Matin Rafipour Langeroudi

• 2025

Water-Energy-Food Challenges in Central Asia: A Comparative Study of Solar and Fossil Fuel-Powered Irrigation Systems Doctoral researcher Matin Rafipour Langeroudi, Doctoral researcher Taiwo Bamgboye University of OuluWater-related challenges in transboundary river basins are exacerbated by climate change, historical basin developments, and competing national interests. In Central Asia, the Amu Darya River, essential for agriculture in downstream countries like Uzbekistan, faces significant threats from upstream infrastructure projects such as the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan and the Qosh Tepa Canal in Afghanistan. These projects are expected to reduce downstream water flow by up to 30% and 15%, respectively, significantly impacting irrigation systems, increasing energy demands for pumping, and straining agricultural productivity and socio-economic stability. The aim of this research addresses the impacts of upstream developments on water availability and explores adaptive strategies for irrigation sustainability. A comparative analysis of solar-powered and fossil fuel-powered irrigation systems will be conducted to assess their efficiency, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Environmental assessments will estimate greenhouse gas emissions, and cost-benefit analyses will evaluate energy efficiency and long-term viability. Key metrics, including energy consumption, water output, and operational costs, will be analyzed to identify trade-offs and propose sustainable solutions. The study’s findings aim to mitigate the impacts of reduced water availability by promoting renewable energy integration and adaptive irrigation practices. By addressing these challenges within the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus, this research offers critical insights to guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing sustainable water resource management strategies, transitioning to cleaner energy systems, and enhancing agricultural resilience under the dual pressures of upstream developments and climate change. Keywords: Amu Darya Basin, Upstream infrastructure projects, Water resource management, Irrigation systems, Agricultural productivity, Solar energy in agriculture, Fossil fuel-based pumping system, Transboundary water challenges, Rogun Dam impact, Qosh-Tepa canal, Water-Energy-Food nexus, Renewable energy solutions.

Yelizaveta Rassadkina, Spencer Roth, Tamar Barkay

Aresty Rutgers Undergraduate Research Journal • 2020

Yellowstone National Park is home to many different hot springs, lakes, geysers, pools, and basins that range in pH, chemical composition, and temperature. These different environmental variations provide a broad range of conditions that select and grow diverse communities of microorganisms. In this study, we collected samples from geochemically diverse lakes and springs to characterize the microbial communities present through 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. This information was then used to observe how various microorganisms survive in high mercury environments. The results show the presence of microorganisms that have been studied in previous literature. The results also depict gradients of microorganisms including thermophilic bacteria and archaea that exist in these extreme environments. In addition, beta diversity analyses of the sequence data showed site clustering based primarily on temperature instead of pH or sample site, suggesting that while pH, temperature, and sample site were all shown to be significant, temperature is the strongest factor driving microorganism community development. While it is important to characterize the microorganism community present, it is also important to understand how this community functions as a result of its selection. Along with looking at community composition, genomic material was tested to see if it contained mercury methylating (hgcA) or mercury reducing (merA) genes. Out of 22 samples, three of them were observed to have merA genes, while no samples had hgcA genes. These results indicate that microorganisms in Mustard and Nymph Springs may use mercury reduction. Understanding how microorganisms survive in environments with high concentrations of toxic pollutants is crucial because it can be used as a model to better understand mechanisms of resistance and the biogeochemical cycle, as well as for bioremediation and other solutions to anthropogenic problems.

Yusei Masaki, Shin Ichi Hirano, Naoko Okibe

Advanced Materials Research • 2015

Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku) is located in the hot spring town of Beppu, in Kyushu Island of Japan, and features a unique hot, acidic, red-coloured pond. This study aimed to investigate the microbial diversity in this unique extreme environment and eventually to isolate useful acidophilic microbes. The initial PCR (using bacteria-or archaea-specific primers) on environmental samples detected the presence of bacteria, but not archaea. The following random sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of a large bacterial diversity at the site (123 clones comprising 18 bacterial and 1 archaeal genera), including those closely related to known autotrophic and heterotrophic acidophiles ( Acidithiobacillus sp., Sulfobacillus sp., Alicyclobacillus sp.). Nonetheless, successive enrichment cultivation with Fe (III) under oxygen depletion lead to isolation of previously non-detected archaeal ( Sulfolobus sp.) colonies on solid media. Two isolates showing Fe (III) reduction ability were named Sulfolobus sp. GA1 and GA2. The isolates were also found to reduce highly toxic Cr (VI) to less toxic/soluble Cr (III), demonstrating their potential utility in metal bioremediation.

Shekhar Nagar, Chandni Talwar, Mikael Motelica-Heino et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2021

Abstract Graphical Abstract Sulfur Related Prokaryotes (SRP) residing in hot spring present good opportunity for exploring the limitless possibilities of integral ecosystem processes. Metagenomic analysis further expand the phylogenetic breadth of these extraordinary sulfur metabolizing microorganisms, as well a their complex metabolic networks and syntrophic interactions in environmental biosystems. Through this study, we explored and expanded the microbial genetic repertoire with focus on sulfur cycling genes through metagenomic analysis of sulfur (S) contaminated hot spring, located at the Northern Himalayas. The analysis revealed rich diversity of microbial consortia with established roles in S cycling such as Pseudomonas , Thioalkalivibrio , Desulfovibrio and Desulfobulbaceae ( Proteobacteria ). The major gene families inferred to be abundant across microbial mat, sediment and water were assigned to Proteobacteria as reflected from the RPKs (reads per kilobase) categorized into translation and ribosomal structure and biogenesis. Analysis of sequence similarity showed conserved pattern of both dsrAB genes (n=178) retrieved from all metagenomes while other sulfur disproportionation proteins were diverged due to different structural and chemical substrates. The diversity of sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) with conserved (r) dsrAB suggests for it to be an important adaptation for microbial fitness at this site. Here, we confirm that (i) SRBs belongs to δ-Proteobacteria occurring independent LGT of dsr genes to different and few novel lineages (ii) also, the oxidative and reductive dsr evolutionary time scale phylogeny, proved that the earliest (not first) dsrAB proteins belong to anaerobic Thiobacillus with other ( rdsr ) oxidizers. Further, the structural prediction of unassigned DsrAB proteins confirmed their relatedness with species of Desulfovibrio (TM score= 0.86; 0.98; 0.96) and Archaeoglobus fulgidus (TM score= 0.97; 0.98). We proposed that the genetic repertoire might provide the basis of studying time scale evolution and horizontal gene transfer of these genes in biogeochemical S cycling and the complementary genes could be implemented in biotechnology and bioremediation applications.

Peter F. Chuckran, Bruce Hungate, Egbert Schwartz et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2021

ABSTRACT Free-living bacteria in nutrient limited environments often exhibit small genomes which curb the cost of reproduction – a phenomenon known as genomic streamlining. Streamlining has been associated with a suite of traits such as reduced GC content, fewer 16S rRNA copies, and a lower abundance of regulatory genes, such as sigma (σ) factors. Here, we analyzed these traits from 116 publicly available metagenomes derived from marine, soil, host associated, and thermophilic communities. In marine and thermophilic communities, genome size and GC content declined in parallel, but GC content was higher in thermophilic communities. In soils, the relationship between genome size and GC content was negative, suggesting a different selection pressure on genome size and GC content in soil bacteria. The abundance of σ-factors varied with average genome size, ecosystem type, and the specific functions regulated by the sigma factor. In marine environments, housekeeping and heat-shock σ-factor genes ( rpoD and rpoH respectively) increased as genome size declined, and σ-factor responsible for flagella biosynthesis ( fliA ) decreased, suggesting a trade-off between nutrient conservation and chemotaxis. In soils, a high abundance of fliA and the stress response σ-factor gene ( rpoS ) was associated with smaller average genome size and often located in harsh and/or carbon-limited environments such as deserts or agricultural fields – suggesting an increased capacity for stress response and mobility in nutrient-poor soils. This work showcases how ecosystem-specific environmental constraints force trade-offs which are then embedded in the genomic features of bacteria in microbial communities, specifically genome size, GC content, and regulatory genes, and further highlights the importance of considering these features in microbial community analysis.

Zhenxin Zhou, Xiaohang Lu, Jianwen Yang et al.

Journal of Salt Lake Research • 2024

： The Qarhan Salt Lake sediments record the environmental evolution of the Qaidam Basin since the Late Pleistocene ， but sedimentary profiles since the Holocene are relatively scarce and chronological data are lacking. Two fine-clastic intercalations were found in each of the sedimentary sections of Beletan ， Beletan West and Dabuson sections of the Qarhan Salt Lake ， and corresponding photoluminescence samples were collected to study the age of sedimentation in the Qarhan Salt Lake during the Holocene. The results show that the two clastic layers in the Dabuson （ DBX ） section of Qarhan Salt Lake were formed at 6.2 ka （ 8.90 m ） and 2.8 ka （ 1.96 m ）， respectively ， while those in the Beletan section were formed at 2.9 ka （ 3.20 m ） and 0.9 ka （ 1.40 m ）， and those in the Beletan West section were formed at 2.4 ka （ 3.10 m ） and 0.7 ka （ 1.50 m ） .The Late Quaternary Salt Lake sediments are loose and soluble causing the samples to be complex in composition and origin ， resulting in the profile OSL data being much smaller than the 14 C and U-Th dating data （ 8 ～ 9 ka ） . The sedimentation rates （ from the bottom clastic layer to the surface layer ） calculated for the three profiles indicate that the sedimentation rate in the Dabuson section of the Qarhan Salt Lake is greater than that in the Beletan section ， while the sedimentation rate in the eastern part of Bele ‐ tan is higher than that in the western part. The sedimentation rates in the Qarhan Salt Lake and the Dongtai Genel Salt Lake are generally consistent.

Francesco Panico, Alessandro Minguzzi, Alberto Vertova et al.

• 2024

More than a century has passed since the hypothesis was first proposed that primordial biological molecules could have formed from non-biological material with the input of some form of energy. Great efforts have been made to test possible energy sources in various environments and to determine whether the abiogenesis of biological molecules is possible. Among all the theories, the one involving hydrothermal vents has recently captured particular attention because it is based on the idea that the reduction of CO2 and the initiation of a proto-metabolism could have occurred by exploiting a life-like thermodynamic disequilibrium on mineral structure that shows structural and compositional similarities with some catalytic centre of enzimes.1–3Hydrothermal Vent are geological formation generated from the upwelling of geothermal fluids into the ocean, there are two main types of HTV: black smokers (acidic ones) and white smokers (alkaline ones). In the Archean era Alkaline Hydrothermal Vent were generated by the reaction between alkaline (pH 10-11), warm and hydrogen rich fluids with the ocean rich in CO2 (acidic 10-11) and metal ions such as Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn; here at the mixing point a mineral barrier precipitate, composed mainly of iron oxide and hydroxide, green rust and iron sulphide. Across this mineral membrane an electrochemical potential difference is generated, because of the disparity in pH and redox species between the inner and outer sides of the vent, this thermodynamic disequilibrium can be dissipated by coupling two opposite reactions: CO2 reduction and H2 oxidation, the two semireaction take place on the opposite sides of the same mineral structure but in two different environments: the first acidic, the second alkaline. 4Electrochemistry applied to the study of the behaviour of mineral materials from hydrothermal vents is a valuable tool because it allows for a precise investigation of the reactivity of material surfaces and correlates it with their electronic structure. 5A hydrothermal vent system can be modelled as a short-circuited fuel cell, with a continuous flow of reactants to the electrodes. These electrodes are made of the material that forms the barrier and are located in two different environments: the first electrode functions as a cathode for the reduction of CO2 in an acidic environment, while the second functions as an anode for the oxidation of hydrogen (or other molecules) in an alkaline environment. An electric current is recorded between the two short-circuited electrodes. This coupling of reactions can be represented in an Evans diagram, analogous to a corrosion process.Figure 1. Evans diagram in various conditionFigure 2. Short circuited fuel cell model of AHTVIn our laboratory, we developed a technique for synthesizing Mackinawite (FeSm) and Violarite (FeNi2S4). The samples have been characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods. Using these materials, we have prepared electrodes for testing. A series of electrolysis experiments have demonstrated that these materials can electrochemically reduce CO2 at negative potentials as -1.2 V, producing formic acid, methanol, and carbon monoxide. The efficiency of this reaction decreases significantly when less extreme potentials are applied. Figure 3. Production of formic acid and methanol during a potentiostatic electrolysis on Mackinawite or Violarite.The behaviour of the electrodes was studied by recording Tafel plots (log(I) vs E) and creating an Evans diagram. This diagram illustrates the operational conditions of pH, catalytic material, and reaction environment under which it is possible to couple the CO2 reduction and hydrogen oxidation reactions effectively. Subsequently, the short-circuited fuel cell was constructed, allowing for the measurement of the current flow (which is proportional to the reaction rate and indicates the cell's polarity) and the electric potential at which the coupled reactions occur.The results indicate that once the short-circuited fuel cell is assembled, in the absence of reactants and without a pH difference between the two compartments, no current is registered, suggesting that no reaction is occurring. However, upon introducing the CO2 and H2 reactants into their respective compartments, a pH gradient (6.5 vs 8.8) is established. Under these conditions, a reaction current is observed, with its direction indicating reduction at the pole containing CO2 and oxidation at the pole with H2. The potential at which this coupling occurs, on the synthesized metal sulphides materials, is -0.03 V vs SHE (@ pH 6.5), a value too positive to promote the CO2 reduction reaction. The limiting factor in this setup is the anodic reaction, so other conditions have been tested for improving the catalytic activity of the anode, changing electrolyte composition and pH, flux of reactant and even the composition of the electrode itself. For example, using platinum as the anode (a material known for its catalytic properties in reactions involving hydrogen), a coupling potential of -0.44 V is observed, a value within the range where the reduction reaction of CO2 at the cathode can occur.This approach to measurement and interpretation of Alkaline Hydrothermal Vent functioning represents, in our opinion, a groundbreaking development in the field of studies on this topic. The future challenge lies in identifying the optimal operational conditions that accurately simulate the real environment of an alkaline hydrothermal vent on the Archean ocean floor, capable of facilitating a spontaneous reduction reaction of CO2.References1.Russell, M. J. Green rust: The simple organizing ‘seed’ of all life? Life vol. 8 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.3390/life8030035 (2018).2. Branscomb, E. & Russell, M. J. Frankenstein or a Submarine Alkaline Vent: Who is Responsible for Abiogenesis?: Part 2: As life is now, so it must have been in the beginning. BioEssays vol. 40 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.201700182 (2018).3. Russell, M. J., Nitschke, W. & Branscomb, E. The inevitable journey to being. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 368, (2013).4. Hudson, R. et al. CO2 reduction driven by a pH gradient. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 117, 22873–22879 (2020).5. Nitschke, W. et al. Aqueous electrochemistry: The toolbox for life’s emergence from redox disequilibria. Electrochemical Science Advances vol. 3 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1002/elsa.202100192 (2023). 

Lindsey Smith, Heather Fullerton, Craig L. Moyer

PeerJ • 2024

The microbiota of hydrothermal vents has been widely implicated in the dynamics of oceanic biogeochemical cycling. Lithotrophic organisms utilize reduced chemicals in the vent effluent for energy, which fuels carbon fixation, and their metabolic byproducts can then support higher trophic levels and high-biomass ecosystems. However, despite the important role these microorganisms play in our oceans, they are difficult to study. Most are resistant to culturing in a lab setting, so culture-independent methods are necessary to examine community composition. Targeted amplicon surveying has become the standard practice for assessing the structure and diversity of hydrothermal vent microbial communities. Here, the performance of primer pairs targeting the V3V4 and V4V5 variable regions of the SSU rRNA gene was assessed for use on environmental samples from microbial mats surrounding Kama‘ehuakanaloa Seamount, an iron-dominated hydrothermal vent system. Using the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) approach to taxonomic identification, the structure and diversity of microbial communities were elucidated, and both primer pairs generated robust data and comparable alpha diversity profiles. However, several distinct differences in community composition were identified between primer sets, including differential relative abundances of both bacterial and archaeal phyla. The primer choice was determined to be a significant driver of variation among the taxonomic profiles generated. Based on the higher quality of the raw sequences generated and on the breadth of abundant taxa found using the V4V5 primer set, it is determined as the most efficacious primer pair for whole-community surveys of microbial mats at Kama‘ehuakanaloa Seamount.

Lotta Ternieten, Martina Preiner, Peter Kraal et al.

• 2024

Motivated by the goal to increase our knowledge of the impact of hydrothermal iron (Fe) nanoparticles on ocean chemistry and to explore their unique catalytic capabilities, we sampled suspended and dissolved matter in the water column above the Rainbow (36°-33°N) hydrothermal vent field at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Innovative sampling techniques were used to constrain the (trans)formation of hydrothermal iron-based nanoparticles. Instead of filtration of plume particles, freezing, and later resuspension, which is commonly used to separate particles from their surrounding solution and preserve them1, we immediately drop cast small amounts of the fluid on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids and plunge-freeze them, resulting in vitrification of dissolved compounds and preservation of containing nanoparticles. Using an array of (micro)spectroscopic techniques, TEM, and a machine learning approach, we can characterize the Fe nanoparticles and unravel their fate in the ocean biogeochemical cycle.Initial results show that the new sampling approach allows us to successfully collect Fe colloids with minimal artifacts – specifically avoiding aggregation of various suspended phases during filtration, which can result in spurious spatial correlations. The hydrothermal plume samples collected closest to an active vent show crystalline spherical Fe-nanoparticles that predominantly consist of poorly-ordered Fe-oxyhydroxide and are in parts enriched in P, S, Ni, and/or Cu. Using the machine learning model SIGMA2 further allows us to explore the distribution of distinct Fe phases and reveals the local occurrence of reduced Fe as chalcopyrite and pyrite. On the outside, the Fe-nanoparticles are covered with an amorphous phase enriched in Mg, Cl, ± P, and S. Amorphous silica clusters are omnipresent and often co-occur with the Fe colloids. Notably, our results do not show associations of Fe with (organic) carbon.These observations suggest that a higher local concentration of P within the Fe-colloids is potentially a crucial component affecting the Fe-nanoparticle's properties and environmental fate. Furthermore, this shows that C-rich phases do not significantly affect, at least in the early stages, the particles at the Rainbow vent field, contrasting previous studies, which suggest that organic compounds play a key role in stabilizing and transporting hydrothermal Fe1,3. While Si is abundant in the hydrothermal fluid and often interacts with Fe precipitates similar to P, we show spatial decoupling suggestive of a distinct precipitation mechanism. Neither in the hydrothermal plume away from the active vent nor in the sediment did we observe much transformation of the poorly-ordered Fe-colloids, suggesting that these were stable early on. However, we do observe an enrichment in organic compounds associated with the Fe-colloids further up in the buoyant plume.Our research presents the first indications that during the early formation of hydrothermal Fe colloids, the properties of the Fe-based nanoparticle and, subsequently, the environmental fate and impact are more likely affected by P and Si than by organic carbon compounds. 1. Toner, B. M., et al. Acc. Chem. Res. 49, 128–137 (2016).2. Tung, P., et al. Geochem., Geophys., Geosystems 24, (2023).3. Bennett, S. A. et al. Deep Sea Res. Part : Oceanogr. Res. Pap. 58, 922–931 (2011).

Tanuj Shukla, Sanjay Shukla

Anusandhaan - Vigyaan Shodh Patrika • 2018

The study of geomorphological system not only gives information about environmental processes operating there but also relate them whith global environmental system. The geomorphological analysis of Dokriani glacier, Garhwal Himalaya shows five phases of glacial advaent and retreat in the form of well preserved lateral and terminal ncemmoraines. The observed retreat rate of glacier in last two decades is about 17.2 m/yr which represents its negative mass balance followed by change in snout position, area and surface height. The farthest glacier expansion of the valley represented as terminal moraine is situated at 8.3 km from present day snout. Whereas, the other sucsessive glacial stages has followed the similar fashion of glacial advancement due to climatic sensitiveness.

Sean K. Bay, Gaofeng Ni, R. Lappan et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2024

Most aerated cave ecosystems are assumed to be oligotrophic given they receive minimal inputs of light energy. Diverse microorganisms have nevertheless been detected within caves, though it remains unclear what strategies enable them to meet their energy and carbon needs. Here we determined the processes and mediators of primary production in aerated limestone and basalt caves through paired metagenomic and biogeochemical profiling. Based on 1458 metagenome-assembled genomes, over half of microbial cells in caves encode enzymes to use atmospheric trace gases as energy and carbon sources. The most abundant microbes in these systems are chemosynthetic primary producers, notably the novel gammaproteobacterial methanotrophic order Ca. Methylocavales and two uncultivated actinobacterial genera predicted to grow on atmospheric hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. In situ and ex situ biogeochemical and isotopic measurements consistently confirmed that these gases are rapidly consumed at rates sufficient to meet community-wide energy needs and drive continual primary production. Conventional chemolithoautotrophs, which use trace lithic compounds such as ammonium and sulfide, are also enriched and active alongside these trace gas scavengers. These results indicate that caves are unique in both their microbial composition and the biogeochemical processes that sustain them. Based on these findings, we propose caves are the first known ecosystems where atmospheric trace gases primarily sustain growth rather than survival and define this process as ‘aerotrophy’. Cave aerotrophy may be a hidden process supporting global biogeochemistry.

D. Park, B. Jeon, I. Jung

Solar Cells - New Aspects and Solutions • 2011

Atmospheric carbon dioxide has been increased and was reached approximately to 390 mg/L at December 2010 (Tans, 2011). Rising trend of carbon dioxide in past and present time may be an indicator capable of estimating the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the future. Cause for increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide was already investigated and became general knowledge for the civilized peoples who are watching TV, listening to radio, and reading newspapers. Anybody of the civilized peoples can anticipate that the atmospheric carbon dioxide is increased continuously until unknowable time in the future but not in the near future. Carbon dioxide is believed to be a major factor affecting global climate variation because increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide is proportional to variation trend of global average temperature (Cox et al., 2000). Atmospheric carbon dioxide is generated naturally from the eruption of volcano (Gerlach et al., 2002; Williams et al., 1992), decay of organic matters, respiration of animals, and cellular respiration of microorganisms (Raich and Schlesinger, 2002; Van Veen et al., 1991); meanwhile, artificially from combustion of fossil fuels, combustion of organic matters, and cement making-process (Worrell et al., 2001). Theoretically, the natural atmospheric carbon dioxide generated biologically from the decay of organic matter and the respirations of organisms has to be fixed biologically by land plants, aquatic plants, and photosynthetic microorganisms, by which cycle of atmospheric carbon dioxide may be nearly balanced (Grulke et al., 1990). All of the human-emitted carbon dioxide except the naturally balanced one may be incorporated newly into the pool of atmospheric greenhouse gases that are methane, water vapor, fluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide (Lashof and Ahuja, 1990). The airborne fraction of carbon dioxide that is the ratio of the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide to the emitted carbon dioxide variation was typically about 45% over 5 years period (Keeling et al., 1995). Canadell at al (2007) reported that about 57% of human-emitted carbon dioxide was removed by the biosphere and oceans. These reports indicate that the airborne fraction of carbon dioxide is at least 43-45%, which may be the balance emitted by human activity. The land plants are the largest natural carbon dioxide sinker, which have been decreased globally by deforestation (Cramer et al., 2004). Especially, tropical and rainforests are being

Claire Perrott

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History • 2017

In February 1943, a small but powerful volcano emerged from a cornfield in the vicinity of Uruapan, Michoacán, México. A stunned farmer, Dionisio Pulido, alerted the nearby town of San Juan Parangaricutiro, and a group of villagers went to investigate the growing mound in Pulido’s field. The new volcano, named Parícutin by Mexican scientist Dr. Ezequiel Ordóñez, emitted smoke, ash, and lava until 1952. The ash fall and lava flows severely changed life in five of the surrounding villages. Most villagers in the affected areas were reluctant to move, but the ash fall made it nearly impossible to cultivate their crops, polluted the air and water sources, and made their animals sick. In the end, two villages completely evacuated with the help of the national government. A few days after the volcano emerged, scientists from México and the United States flocked to the area for the unique opportunity to study a volcano from its birth. They recorded lava flows, eruption patterns, ash fall, and damage to the surrounding agricultural land. A significant relationship blossomed between a U.S. Geological Survey scientist, Carl Fries Jr., and a local Purépecha man, Celedonio Gutiérrez. Although Gutiérrez had only a minimal education, his knowledge of the environment and the local people proved essential to foreign academics studying the volcano. Working together, the two men published at least eight scientific articles in the U.S. weekly magazine Eos , based on daily observations of the volcano. Parícutin fascinated people from México and the United States since the moment it grew into a cinder cone. Artists such as Dr. Atl used the volcano for inspiration, producing countless sketches and paintings, some of which were published. Reporters, tourists, and artists from around the world visited Parícutin, excited at the possibility of seeing an active volcano up close. Authors and illustrators also expressed the fascinating story of the volcano and the affected Purépecha community in children’s stories. In the 21st century, Parícutin remains a popular tourist destination. A half-buried church in what was San Juan Parangaricutiro is all that remains of a once lively village and stands as a testament to the strength and reach of Parícutin. Despite the destruction, the eruption serves as a reminder of the importance of volcanoes in Mexican culture and provides a lens to examine the long-established relationship between people and volcanoes. The study of Parícutin fits into the wider scholarship of Latin American environmental history because it highlights the connections between culture and environment. This story demonstrates the interplay between the perspectives different groups of people had of the volcano and how landscape affects the social and cultural history of a place and its people.

Maren Jenrich, M. Angelopoulos, S. Liebner et al.

Permafrost and Periglacial Processes • 2024

Arctic permafrost coasts, affected by rising sea levels and increasing coastal erosion in a warming climate, undergo significant changes. Simulating how permafrost is impacted by inundation with fresh, brackish and marine water enhances our understanding of permafrost carbon stock responses to increasingly marine conditions. We investigated CO2 and CH4 production during key transitions in a coastal thermokarst landscape on the Bykovsky Peninsula, Siberia, assessing short‐ and long‐term microbial responses to varying salinities in anaerobic 1‐year incubation experiments. Initially, CO2 production from saltwater‐inundated permafrost was low due to the low abundance of salt‐tolerant microbial communities. Over the long term, after simulated lagoon formation and the growth of sulfate‐reducing bacteria, CO2 production surpassed that of the terrestrial sites by 8 times. CO2 and CH4 production was lowest under fully marine conditions, suggesting incomplete adaptation of microbes. Rapid ecosystem changes stress microbial communities, with greenhouse gas production highest under near‐natural conditions. With an increase in lake drainage events and rising sea levels, thermokarst lagoon distribution on Arctic coasts will escalate, resulting in a further increase of carbon mineralization and CO2 release. With this study, we provide first estimations on greenhouse gas production during the transition from terrestrial to submarine conditions in permafrost‐affected aquatic systems.

Clarisse Goar, Pierre-Antoine Dessandier, Giuliana Panieri et al.

• 2024

Here, we present data focusing on the diversity and ecology of benthic foraminifera from different hydrothermal vent fields on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at low and high latitudes and mud volcanoes leaking methane. This study aims to understand the controlling factors ruling the communities’ structure, including environmental parameters (sediment nature, geochemical dynamic associated with seafloor massive sulfide areas) and food source (primary production and chemosynthetic microbial communities). This study aims to i) fulfil a lack of knowledge of hydrothermal vent biodiversity, ii) determine interactions between foraminifera and their ecosystem, and iii) establish a bio-indicator of extreme environments, environmentally dynamic.We collected samples from two active vent sites, TAG and Snake Pit, in their periphery at low latitude and on the under-ice Aurora vent in the Arctic, showing contrasted mineralogy, pore water chemistry and organic matter compounds. The response of benthic foraminifera shows quite a stable community in the large periphery, while particular communities are observed in sediment with clear evidence of hydrothermal influence. For the mud volcano and active vents, a specific community of soft-body foraminifera and/or agglutinated species seems to be adapted to extreme environments, including species poorly known. Environmental data highlight a stronger impact of the habitat connected to microbial mats than organic matter availability. These preliminary results support the powerful use of benthic foraminifera in extreme environments to evaluate biodiversity and environmental changes but also highlight the need to improve the taxonomy of deep-sea soft-shelled foraminifera.  

Shin-ichi Motoda, Susumu Uematsu, Tadashi Shinohara

ECS Transactions • 2012

The electrochemical measurement and surface morphology analysis of TiO2 coatings were conducted to improve the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC) in natural seawater. From the experimental results, the 95.2% TiO2 purity electrode caused the noble shift of electrode potential which resulted from suppression of the photocatalytic effect. This phenomenon did not occur in 99.9% purity coatings, so the influence of impurities such as Si or Zr contained in the coatings was considered. Furthermore, the localized potential at the segregation of Si or Zr was higher than that of the rest, so the electrode potential of TiO2 coated anode was considered to be affected by the localized corrosion which had occurred beneath the deteriorated TiO2 coatings.

Felix Schwock, Shima Abadi

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America • 2021

Characterizing the ocean noise floor is important for tracking long-term acoustic changes and creating environmental regulations to mitigate the effects of human activities on the ocean soundscape. Underwater noise levels have been measured at two sites in the northeast Pacific off the coast of Oregon between 2015 and 2019. The acoustic data were recorded continuously at a sample rate of 64 kHz at 81 m depth and 581 m depth at the continental shelf and slope, respectively. Sequential one-minute power spectral density estimates are computed and used to calculate spectral probability density functions (SPDFs) for every month of the measurement period. The ocean noise floor is then defined as the 5th percentile of the SPDF. Multi-year data are used to compute time series of the ocean noise floor at various frequencies, which are then examined for long-term trends and seasonal patterns. The frequency dependence of the noise floor is analyzed and the results are compared between two measurement sites. Environmental data from surface buoys and Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) instruments collocated with the hydrophones are used to study how the ocean noise floor changes with wind, temperature, and sound speed. [Work supported by ONR.]

Yilong Wang, Yongkai Xu, Yun Zhang et al.

Chirality • 2018

We previously identified and characterized 1 novel deep-sea microbial esterase PHE21 and used PHE21 as a green biocatalyst to generate chiral ethyl (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate, 1 key chiral chemical, with high enantiomeric excess and yield through kinetic resolution. Herein, we further explored the potential of esterase PHE21 in the enantioselective preparation of secondary butanol, which was hard to be resolved by lipases/esterases. Despite the fact that chiral secondary butanols and their ester derivatives were hard to prepare, esterase PHE21 was used as a green biocatalyst in the generation of (S)-sec-butyl acetate through hydrolytic reactions and the enantiomeric excess, and the conversion of (S)-sec-butyl acetate reached 98% and 52%, respectively, after process optimization. Esterase PHE21 was also used to generate (R)-sec-butyl acetate through asymmetric transesterification reactions, and the enantiomeric excess and conversion of (R)-sec-butyl acetate reached 64% and 43%, respectively, after process optimization. Deep-sea microbial esterase PHE21 was characterized to be a useful biocatalyst in the kinetic resolution of secondary butanol and other valuable chiral secondary alcohols.

Francesco Ricci, William Leggat, Marisa Pasella et al.

Research Square • 2023

Abstract Deep sea benthic habitats are low productivity ecosystems that host an abundance of organisms within the Cnidaria phyla. The technical limitations and the high cost of deep sea surveys have made exploring deep sea environments and the biology of the organisms that inhabit them challenging. In spite of the widespread recognition of Cnidaria's environmental importance in these ecosystems, the microbial assemblage and its role in coral functioning have only been studied for a few deep water corals. Here we explored the prokaryotic diversity of deep sea corals by recovering nucleic acids from museum archive specimens. Firstly, we amplified and sequenced the V1-V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene of specimens held in museum archival storage and utilised these to shed light on the microbial diversity associated with seven families of corals collected from depth in the Coral Sea (depth range 1,309 to 2,959 metres) and Southern Ocean (depth range 1,401 to 2,071 metres) benthic habitats. Most surprisingly, Cyanobacteria were consistently associated with six out of seven coral families from both sampling locations, suggesting that these bacteria are potentially ubiquitous members of the microbiome within these cold water and deep sea organisms. Consistent with previous studies, we show that the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Acidobacteriota dominate the microbial community of corals in the deep sea. We also explored the genomes of the genus Mycoplasma , which we identified as associated with specimens of three deep sea coral families, finding evidence that these bacteria may aid the host immune system. Importantly our results show that museum specimens retain components of host microbiome that can provide new insights into the diversity of deep sea coral microbiomes (and potentially other organisms), as well as the diversity of microbes writ large in deep sea ecosystems.

Francesco Ricci, William Leggat, Marisa Pasella et al.

Research Square • 2023

Abstract Deep sea benthic habitats are low productivity ecosystems that host an abundance of organisms within the Cnidaria phyla. The technical limitations and the high cost of deep sea surveys have made exploring deep sea environments and the biology of the organisms that inhabit them challenging. In spite of the widespread recognition of Cnidaria's environmental importance in these ecosystems, the microbial assemblage and its role in coral functioning have only been studied for a few deep water corals. Here we explored the prokaryotic diversity of deep sea corals by recovering nucleic acids from museum archive specimens. Firstly, we amplified and sequenced the V1-V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene of specimens held in museum archival storage and utilised these to shed light on the microbial diversity associated with seven families of corals collected from depth in the Coral Sea (depth range 1,309 to 2,959 metres) and Southern Ocean (depth range 1,401 to 2,071 metres) benthic habitats. Most surprisingly, Cyanobacteria sequences were consistently associated with six out of seven coral families from both sampling locations, suggesting that these bacteria are potentially ubiquitous members of the microbiome within these cold and deep sea water organisms. Additionally, we show that Cnidaria might benefit from symbiotic associations with a range of chemosynthetic bacteria including nitrite, carbon monoxide and sulfur oxidizers. Consistent with previous studies, we show that sequences associated to the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Acidobacteriota dominated the microbial community of corals in the deep sea. We also explored genomes of the genus Mycoplasma , which we identified as associated with specimens of three deep sea coral families, finding evidence that these bacteria may aid the host immune system. Importantly our results show that museum specimens retain components of host microbiome that can provide new insights into the diversity of deep sea coral microbiomes (and potentially other organisms), as well as the diversity of microbes writ large in deep sea ecosystems.

Noor Baha Aldin

Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science • 2025

Bacterial and fungal leaf diseases significantly impact the productivity of agricultural, which causing annually billions of dollars in crop losses and threatening global food security. Conventional detection methods even though effective, but they are labor intensive, consuming more time, and inappropriate for real time applications or large-scale ones. In order to address the limitations of other studies, this study proposes an AI solution that using a fine-tuned ResNet50 model trained on the PlantVillage dataset to classify the plant leaves as Healthy, Bacterial, or Fungal (Mold). The model was optimized using TensorFlow Lite and deployed on a Raspberry Pi 4, achieving 87% accuracy, a recall of 86%, and inference speeds around 1.2 to1.5 seconds per image. To enhance the overall generalization, the data augmentation techniques were applied which including rotation, flipping, and scaling. For early disease detection in agricultural and environmental applications, this research provides a scalable and a cost effective. Compared to traditional methods and other systems, this study provides faster inference speeds and lower costs, making it ideal for designs with limited resource.

Massimiliano Molari, Tobias R. Vonnahme, Felix Janssen et al.

• 2020

<p>Industrial-scale mining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules will remove nodules in large areas and impact the physical integrity of the seafloor. However, environmental standards for seafloor integrity and studies of recovery from environmental impacts are still largely missing. Further we have only a poor understanding of the role of nodules in shaping benthic microbial diversity and element cycles. We revisited the deep-sea disturbance and recolonization experiment carried out with a towed plough harrow in 1989 in the Peru Basin nodule field within a circular area of approx. 3.5 km diameter (>4100 m water depth). In the experimental area, the 26 years old plough tracks were still visible and showed different types and levels of disturbance such as removal and compaction of surface sediments. Microbial communities and their diversity were studied in disturbance tracks and undisturbed sites and related to habitat integrity, remineralization rates, and carbon flow. Locally, microbial activity was reduced up to 4 times in the impacted areas. Microbial cell numbers were reduced by ~50% in fresh, and by <30% in the old tracks. Our data suggest that microbially-mediated biogeochemical functions need more than 50 years to return to undisturbed levels in the sediments. In areas with nodules (i.e., outside the disturbance tracks) microbial communities in the nodules themselves were studied. Nodule communities were distinct from sediments and showed a lower diversity and a higher proportion of sequences related to potential metal-cycling bacteria (i.e. Magnetospiraceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae), bacterial and archaeal nitrifiers (i.e. <em>AqS1</em>, unclassified Nitrosomonadaceae, <em>Nitrosopumilus</em>, <em>Nitrospina</em>, <em>Nitrospira</em>), as well as bacterial sequences typically found in ocean crust, hydrothermal deposits and sessile fauna. Our results confirm that nodules host specific microbial communities with potentially significant contributions to organic carbon remineralization and metal cycling. This study contributes to developing environmental standards for deep-sea mining and highlights the limits for maintaining and recovering ecological integrity and functions during large-scale nodule mining.</p>

Eleftheria Antoniou, Efsevia Fragkou, Georgia Charalampous et al.

Energies • 2022

Hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in the deep-sea have been largely determined under atmospheric pressure, which may lead to non-representative results. In this work, we aim to study the response of deep-sea microbial communities of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) to oil contamination at in situ environmental conditions and provide representative biodegradation rates. Seawater from a 600 to 1000 m depth was collected using a high-pressure (HP) sampling device equipped with a unidirectional check-valve, without depressurization upon retrieval. The sample was then passed into a HP-reactor via a piston pump without pressure disruption and used for a time-series oil biodegradation experiment at plume concentrations, with and without dispersant application, at 10 MPa and 14 °C. The experimental results demonstrated a high capacity of indigenous microbial communities in the deep EMS for alkane degradation regardless of dispersant application (>70%), while PAHs were highly degraded when oil was dispersed (>90%) and presented very low half-lives (19.4 to 2.2 days), compared to published data. To our knowledge, this is the first emulation study of deep-sea bioremediation using undisturbed deep-sea microbial communities.

Maciej Telesiński, Marek Zajączkowski

• 2024

The western Fram Strait, a critical gateway connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, is presently characterized by the dominance of cold, sea-ice-laden waters from the Arctic Ocean. Nevertheless, the dynamics of the Return Atlantic Current, facilitating direct east-west recirculation across the Fram Strait, contributes significantly to the southward flow along the East Greenland shelfbreak. This study delves into the influence of Atlantic Water (AW) in the western Fram Strait over the past ~35 thousand years, employing a comprehensive analysis of marine sediment cores, including two newly acquired records.Our investigation utilizes planktic foraminiferal assemblages, stable isotopes, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data to unravel the historical patterns of AW advection. During late Marine Isotope Stage 3 and the Last Glacial Maximum, the findings reveal a noteworthy influx of AW, likely occurring beneath a substantial layer of surface Polar Water. The spatial extent of AW varied, reflecting the dynamic interplay with the Greenland Ice Sheet's expansion.Throughout the deglaciation phase, the western Fram Strait experienced disruptions in AW inflow due to the influence of meltwater, further shaping the regional dynamics. The interplay between AW and environmental factors, such as the evolving Greenland Ice Sheet, emerges as a key driver influencing the spatial distribution of AW during this critical climatic transition.Challenges arise in reconstructing the Holocene history of the western Fram Strait, marked by carbonate dissolution and low sedimentation rates. However, our data point towards persistent and robust AW advection to the region, extending at least since the onset of the present interglacial period. Despite limitations in the Holocene reconstruction, the cumulative evidence underscores the enduring influence of AW on the western Fram Strait, revealing a complex interplay of climatic and glacial dynamics.This research sheds light on the intricate relationship between AW dynamics and regional environmental changes, offering valuable insights into the past variability of the western Fram Strait. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors driving oceanic circulation patterns in this pivotal gateway, with implications for comprehending broader climate dynamics and projecting future changes in the Arctic-Atlantic interface.

Fangwu Liu, Weibo Zheng, Guanghui Tong et al.

Earth and Space: From Infrared to Terahertz (ESIT 2022) • 2023

The life ecology experimental cabinet on China Space Station is a microgravity scientific experimental platform which is suitable for plant individuals, fish, snails, fruit flies and other biological individuals as the research objects. It includes a general biological culture module (GBCM), a small general biological culture module (SGBCM), a small centrifugal experiment module (SCEM), a small controlled life ecological experiment module (SCLEEM) and a microbial online monitoring module (MOMM). The GBCM provides suitable environmental conditions for biological experiments, including temperature, humidity, light, gas concentration, visible light imaging detection, fluorescence imaging detection, program-controlled instructions, etc. The SGBCM internally provides temperature control and imaging monitoring. Other functions are realized by the replaceable culture unit. The SCEM can realize 1-2g gravity simulation in microgravity environment, and is able to support variable gravity biology research and microgravity comparison experimental research. In SCLEEM, it is planned to carry out a closed aquatic organism culture experiment with algae, fishes and snails as members. Algae provides necessary oxygen for fishes and snails through photosynthesis. MOMM is a payload used to detect the presence and classification of microorganisms in the environment. Each module works independently and has an independent electronic control system with the same architecture.This paper will introduce its basic functions, experimental conditions and expandable interface resources module by module. It provides a basis for space biologists to design experiments and a reference for payload engineers.

Shuichi Ichimura, Yosuke Alexandre Yamashiki

Frontiers in Space Technologies • 2025

Life support systems in space have been developed to recover a certain amount of oxygen and water. However, we still rely on resupplies for gas tanks, water bags, and food. To achieve sustainable human space exploration, we must also consider the astronauts’ wellbeing. This research analyzes and assesses the status of essential life support elements, which are air, water, and food, as well as wellbeing elements, including clothing, hygiene, and healthcare, on the International Space Station. The types and quantities of resupplies for each element were estimated by synthesizing data from multiple sources and compared against baseline values established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for one crew member per day. To evaluate the qualitative and psychological dimensions of dependence on resupply missions, astronaut feedback and comments documented in reports and articles from space agencies were also analyzed as important references. The results show that resupplies involve not only gas tanks and water bags but also a significant number of spare items to maintain recovery systems. Food completely relies on resupplies, and regarding wellbeing elements, although the mass supplied from Earth seems to meet the space agency’s requirements, astronauts feel uncomfortable wearing the same clothes and using the same towels for days, especially exercise clothes, which can develop odors. It was also discovered that each resupply mission is inefficient as resupplies account for only 0.21% of the total launch mass. Relying on resupply missions has been associated with negative effects on both physical and psychological aspects, such as anxiety about the risk of running out of life support consumables, issues with stowage and odors caused by waste, and stress due to complicated cargo unloading and loading transfer operations. As humans explore the Moon and beyond, frequent resupplies will become impractical due to higher launch costs and longer delivery times, and suggestions for developing technologies to realize a sustainable human presence in space are being proposed.

Zhao Yin, Zongpeng Zhu, Pei Guo et al.

Space: Science & Technology • 2023

China’s Tiangong space station has been completed in 2022 to support large-scale multidisciplinary space science research and technology experiments. With a large payload capacity and long operating time, Tiangong space station has many irreplaceable advantages over other spacecraft, such as space transportation, global tracking, on-orbit care for astronauts, and the ability to replace and upgrade experiment equipment. The resources available to the space station and its affiliated spacecraft provide an excellent open verification platform for experimental programs. The modular design of the intravehicular experiment rack can support different combinations of normal payloads for experiment, and an extravehicular exposed platform is planned to support different sizes of normal payloads for experiment. This paper firstly discusses the mission objectives of China’s Tiangong space station and the development of new space systems. Secondly, it sorts out the conditions for China’s Tiangong space station to conduct experiments for space technology. On this basis, a systematic layout for the missions of space technology experiments on China’s Tiangong space station is made. Five research topics are proposed, i.e., robotics and autonomous system technology, on-orbit assembly and construction technology for spacecraft, environmental control and life support system technology, new energy and propulsion technology, and new generic technology for spacecraft. Centering on the key technologies that restrict the development of China’s future space missions and systems, this study gives an outlook on the on-orbit space technology experiment and verification project for China’s Tiangong space station. Finally, development strategy and suggestions are put forward for China’s space technology.

Ifeoma R Ugwuanyi, Andrew Steele, M. Glamoclija

Astrobiology • 2024

Jotun springs in Svalbard, Norway, is a rare warm environment in the Arctic that actively forms travertine. In this study, we assessed the microbial ecology of Jotun's active (aquatic) spring and dry spring transects. We evaluated the microbial preservation potential and mode, as well as the astrobiological relevance of the travertines to marginal carbonates mapped at Jezero Crater on Mars (the Mars 2020 landing site). Our results revealed that microbial communities exhibited spatial dynamics controlled by temperature, fluid availability, and geochemistry. Amorphous carbonates and silica precipitated within biofilm and on the surface of filamentous microorganisms. The water discharged at the source is warm, with near neutral pH, and undersaturated in silica. Hence, silicification possibly occurred through cooling, dehydration, and partially by a microbial presence or activities that promote silica precipitation. CO2 degassing and possible microbial contributions induced calcite precipitation and travertine formation. Jotun revealed that warm systems that are not very productive in carbonate formation may still produce significant carbonate buildups and provide settings favorable for fossilization through silicification and calcification. Our findings suggest that the potential for amorphous silica precipitation may be essential for Jezero Crater's marginal carbonates because it significantly increases the preservation potential of putative martian organisms.

Majed Albokari, Mohammad A. A. Al-Najjar, Ibrahim Mashhour et al.

International Journal of Astrobiology • 2018

Abstract Al Wahbah Crater, located in a remote area in western Saudi Arabia as part of The Harrat extinct volcanic chain, is 2 km wide with a depth of 250 m. It is registered by the General Commission for Tourism and National Heritage as an ancient and archaeological site. The crater is subjected to extreme environmental conditions as its bottom is rarely subjected to rainfall and mudflows. Because of high temperature, high evaporation rates and extremely limited rainfall, the crater leaves behind dried thick white sodium phosphate crystals. Here, we studied the chemical composition and the microbial community composition using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing in different vertical layers (2, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm) of the crater sediment. Total sodium concentrations were 28 000– 46 700 ppm and calcium levels were 31 400– 56 500 ppm. In addition, samples were very sulphuric, with sulphate and sulphite levels exceeding 2157 ppm and 5.54 ppm, respectively. Ferric ions concentrations were <0.2 ppm, while nitrate, ammonium and nitrite levels were <2 ppm, 1.5 ppm and 0.05 ppm, respectively. Archaea dominated the surface and the bottom, while bacteria were most common at 20–60 cm. Extremely halophilic archaea and bacteria including Halorhabdus spp. Halorubrum spp., Salinibacter iranicus and Halorhodospira halophila were identified in all samples. Moreover, the relative abundance of Halanaerobiaceae accounted for 22% of the species in the top of the crater. S. iranicus and species belonging to Halorhabdus and Halorubrum that were identified between 60 and 100 cm could be considered as extreme organisms.

GA Zharikov, O. Krainova, M. Khaitov et al.

Medicine of Extreme Situations • 2022

Heptyl rocket fuel and aviation kerosene are widely used in the propulsion systems of the Proton and Soyuz spacecraft. The propellant components (RFC) enter the environment, causing strong toxic effects, when the separating first stages of rockets fall away or in case of emergencies. The study was aimed to isolate strains of microorganisms-destructors of RFC, as well as to assess their safety for bioremediation of contaminated soils. Microorganisms capable of decomposing heptyl, formalin, and aviation kerosene were isolated from natural soils. An association of two strains of bacterial destructors Pseudomonas putida 5G and Rhodococcus erythropolis 62М/3 was obtained, and a method of their use in recultivation of soil contaminated with RFC was developed. The results of laboratory and field tests showed high efficiency of the microbial destruction of pollutants, the decrease in integral toxicity and phytotoxicity of the cleaned soil to safe levels, and an increase in the soil biological activity. Thus, dehydrogenase activity increased by 2.4 times, hydrolase activity by 2.1 times, and cellulase activity by 5.1 times. Microbial association can be recommended for recultivation of soil contaminated with RFC.

Gabriele Ellena, Rosa Santomartino, Arianna Mazzoli et al.

• 2024

In 2025, the Artemis II marks the first crewed mission orbiting the Moon, with plans for subsequent missions landing astronauts near the lunar South Pole and NASA aims to reach Mars by the 2030s. The growing interest in space underscores the increasing importance of long-term human presence in space missions. Challenges such as human health and sustainable food preservation persist in establishing settlements on other planetary bodies. Space agencies are developing regenerative life support systems utilizing hydroponic cultivation of plants and microalgae, fueled by crew waste as fertilizers. While biological systems could sustain astronauts, the predominantly vegan diets lack essential micronutrients. To address this, integrating microbial-based food supplements into current bioregenerative systems is crucial for ensuring a balanced diet and maintaining the health of space explorers. The aim of this project is to develop an alternative food system by growing microorganisms in space-related conditions and using their biomass, or products thereof, as food supplements for space travelers on long-duration space missions, e.g. to Mars. We select and study the impact of space conditions on microorganisms that can provide useful micronutrients for future space travelers, which cannot be fully provided by vegan diets. This will be done by selecting a range of candidate beneficial microorganisms. Various options are available, including Bacillus subtilis spp. , which can produce riboflavin (vitamin B2) and whose spores have already been tested on Mars analog surfaces (Cortesão et al., 2019). Limosilactobacillus reuteri could be used as supplement of riboflavin (Spacova et al., 2022) and has previously been shown to increase its production of reuterin under simulated microgravity conditions (Senatore et al., 2020). In addition, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a well-known producer of essential amino acids, PUFA, MUFA, and vitamin B complexes (Jach & Malm, 2022). Final strain selection will be based on (i) their ability and efficiency to produce micronutrients, (ii) their safety and health promoting (incl. Radiation protective) properties, (iii) their ability to survive and maintain production efficiency under extreme environments, including ionizing radiation and microgravity, and (iv) their compatibility with bio-based in situ resource utilization techniques (e.g., gas or mineral sources from Martian atmosphere or regolith through biomining) to increase loop-closure. The selected strains will be stored, revived and grown in simulated Martian conditions, to test their long-term stability and preservation as food supplement source. Through international collaborations, we will test these conditions using reduced-gravity simulators, space radiation analogs, and substrates based on lysed cells of bacteria previously grown on regolith simulants, such as Chroococcidopsis sp. (Billi et al., 2021), and Anabaena sp. , which has already been used to grow Bacillus subtilis from its inactivated biomass (Verseux, 2018). At the end of this 4-year PhD research project, the expected outcome is to improve the nutritional well-being of future space travelers settling on other planets, and also to generate innovative insights applicable to Earth-based fields such as biotechnology, radioprotection, and environmental science. References Billi, D., Gallego Fernandez, B., Fagliarone, C., Chiavarini, S., & Rothschild, L. J. (2021). Exploiting a perchlorate-tolerant desert cyanobacterium to support bacterial growth for in situ resource utilization on Mars. International Journal of Astrobiology , 20 (1), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550420000300 Cortesão, M., Fuchs, F. M., Commichau, F. M., Eichenberger, P., Schuerger, A. C., Nicholson, W. L., Setlow, P., & Moeller, R. (2019). Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to simulated mars surface conditions. Frontiers in Microbiology , 10 (FEB). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00333 Jach, M. E., & Malm, A. (2022). Yarrowia lipolytica as an Alternative and Valuable Source of Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds for Humans. In Molecules (Vol. 27, Issue 7). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072300 Senatore, G., Mastroleo, F., Leys, N., & Mauriello, G. (2020). Growth of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 under Two Simulated Microgravity Systems: Changes in Reuterin Production, Gastrointestinal Passage Resistance, and Stress Genes Expression Response. Astrobiology , 20 (1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2019.2082 Spacova, I., Ahannach, S., Breynaert, A., Erreygers, I., Wittouck, S., Bron, P. A., Van Beeck, W., Eilers, T., Alloul, A., Blansaer, N., Vlaeminck, S. E., Hermans, N., & Lebeer, S. (2022). Spontaneous Riboflavin-Overproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri for Biofortification of Fermented Foods. Frontiers in Nutrition , 9 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.916607 Verseux, C. (2018). Resistance of cyanobacteria to space and Mars environments, in the frame of the EXPOSE-R2 space mission and beyond . https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.28437.88808

Shuyao Wang, Yehuda Kleiner, Shawn M. Clark et al.

Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology • 2024

Hydroponic cultivation is an efficient, resource-saving technology that produces high yields of high-quality products per unit area without soil. While this technology can save water and fertilisers, water recirculation increases the accumulation of root exudates known to be toxic to the plant, causing growth inhibition. The usage of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) is well-documented for wastewater treatment, desalination, contamination remediation, bioelectricity generation, etc. In this review we explore the issues associated with the usage of traditional approaches in detecting and removing the phytotoxic substances exudated from plant roots. Furthermore, we investigate the prospects of deploying BESs in hydroponic systems and highlight potential benefits and challenges. The application, feasibility and scalability of BES-hydroponic systems, as well as the possibility of integration with other technologies are all critically discussed. It is concluded that the use of BESs for hydroponic wastewater treatment and for real-time plant growth monitoring represents a novel and valuable strategy. This approach has the potential to overcome limitations of the existing treatment methods and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. Graphical abstract

Jalal Ahmed, Sunghyun Kim

RSC Advances • 2024

Polyaniline nanofibers can significantly improve the power density of microbial fuel cells by providing an ideal platform to accommodate as many bacterial cells as possible.

Connor E. Sauceda, Adam L. Smith

Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology • 2025

While acetate selected for high Geobacter spp. activity in the biofilm and a higher range of acetate detection, complex substrate selected for a more diverse biofilm community with a lower but steady current production and lower range of detection.

J. Prasad, R. K. Tripathi

International Journal of Energy Research • 2019

Sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) is a bio‐electrochemical device that generates direct current by microbes present in the soil. The main drawback of SMFC is the low voltage and fluctuations. Therefore, a suitable scheme is required to obtain sufficient voltage with insignificant fluctuation. This paper proposes an energy harvester power management system (PMS) to get rid of low voltage and fluctuation problem of SMFC. The proposed PMS is composed of a dc‐dc boost converter, switches, and super capacitors. The boost converter (using LTC3108 IC) successfully steps up the voltage up to 2.658 V and provides it to the load for 1.5 minutes. Four SMFCs connected with four individual super capacitors and a single boost converter has been used to implement this scheme. In this strategy, the charging and discharging time of the SMFCs are controlled in such a way that the continuous power will be supplied to the load with the optimum number of SMFCs. This scheme is tested on an experimental setup. It is found that the energy harvester PMS supplies a continuous voltage of 2.658 V with the efficiency of 85.46%, which is sufficient to power for small devices such as remote environment sensors, temperature sensors, LED lighting, and submersible ultrasonic receiver.

Moses Jeremiah Barasa Kabeyi, Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju

Intellectual Journal of Energy Harvesting and Storage • 2024

Energy modelling has become important because of the global concern over greenhouse gas emissions. Governments use energy-economy models to develop climate policy. Models vary in methodology and purpose. The design of the energy transition pathways for sustainable electricity requires modelling tools that can accommodate high penetration of renewable energy sources while considering the evolution of fossil fuel sources, the cost of technology, natural dynamics of renewable sources and inherent benefits of low carbon sources like nuclear and cleaner fossil fuel technologies and other sources of energy for power generation. The study identified a wide range of models and tools with long range, short term and real time planning and decision-making capabilities. Various tools and software for modeling and optimization of grid electricity but, green smith energy management system (GEMS), modelling energy and grid services (MEGS), wien automatic system planning package (WASP), home energy management system (HEMS) showed promise for optimized real time as well as middle range grid connected energy system with a mix of renewable, variable energy sources and thermal electricity/energy sources. For use in middle as well as long range energy modeling, identified models include EnergyPLAN, model for analysis of energy demand (MAED), model for energy supply strategy alternatives and their general environmental impact (MESSAGE), and long- range energy alternatives planning system (LEAP).