Work

Anaerobic digestion of cyanobacterial biomass for plant fertilizer production on Mars

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A settlement on Mars must generate food from on-site resources. However, crop production is limited by the on-site nitrogen and mineral nutrient availability. Unlike plants, cyanobacteria can grow on Martian resources, mobilizing nutrients that could later be extracted through anaerobic digestion for use as crop fertilizer. We tested three inocula for the anaerobic digestion of Anabaena sp. biomass in Minimal Medium, 200 g L-1 Mars regolith simulant (MGS-1), and Water. All inocula produced ammonium regardless of cultivation media and removed organic carbon, especially in Minimal Medium and 200 g L-1 MGS-1. This showcased the Martian regolith’s potential as a supplemental nutrient source. However, the regolith simulant also adsorbed organics and precipitated phosphate and ammonium, reducing product recovery. Taxonomic analysis revealed a syntrophic fermentative community and hydrogenotrophic methanogens in Minimal Medium, but methanogens were outcompeted in MGS-1 by sulfate-reducing bacteria. This study defines a bioprocess linking crop production to Martian resources.

Source: Bioresource Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132383

Authors: Tiago P. Ramalho, Antje Siol, Sven Kerzenmacher, Cyprien Verseux, Guillaume Pillot

Institution: University of Bremen

Language: English

Topic: Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880