title: Crop biomass leaching for nutrient recycling in a CELSS.
abstract: Leaching may be employed as a biomass conversion technique to minimize consumption of system resources in a CELSS. This study examined leaching rates and total leachability of Triticum aestivum L. Yecora Rojo residue. Total biomass reduction and phosphate concentration in the leachate were tested as a function of particle size, leaching time of solid, temperature, and sonication versus mechanical agitation. For modeling purposes, phosphate rate constants were determined experimentally via batch testing on 25-mm biomass. Simulation models were written to predict the effect of liquid flow rate on phosphate leaching in concurrent and countercurrent reactors.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D019149:Bioreactors; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003470:Culture Media; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D018527:Hydroponics / Q000379:methods; D008021:Life Support Systems; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010316:Particle Size; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D014908:Triticum; D018505:Waste Management
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D010710:Phosphates