Human waste used to make Marmite-like food for astronauts

Zeddicuz · 发表于 2018-01-28 04:39:39

Scientists have developed a method of converting human waste into a potential food source that could be used by astronauts on missions to Mars and beyond. Using microbes to break down solid and liquid waste, they created the protein and fat-rich substance. “We envisioned and tested the concept of simultaneously treating astronauts’ waste with microbes while producing a biomass that is edible either directly or indirectly, depending on safety concerns,” said Professor Christopher House.[br][br]The method involves anaerobic digestion, a process that refers to the breakdown of materials in the absence of oxygen. It is considered an efficient way of breaking down biodegradable matter. “Anaerobic digestion is something we use frequently on Earth for treating waste,” said Professor House. “What was novel about our work was taking the nutrients out of that stream and intentionally putting them into a microbial reactor to grow food.”[br][br]The human waste anaerobic digestion process produced methane gas, which the scientists then used to grow another type of microbe called Methylococcus capsulatus. This microbe strain is currently used as animal feed. With 52 per cent protein and 36 per cent fat content, it has potential as a food source for humans as well.