SATPC0035302 Tab 04 4 SOW_Redacted.pdf

NASA Statement of Work

Advanced Exploration Systems Life Support Systems

Consultation on Biofilm Topics

04 June 2024

MSFC Biofilm Working Group

Yo-Ann Velez-Justiniano

Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University

Center for Biofilm Engineering Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717

E-mail:

George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Engineering Directorate, Space Systems Department

INTRODUCTION

The International Space Station Water Recovery System (WRS) achieves near total recovery of potable water via the combined processes of the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) and the Water Processor Assembly (WPA). However, biofouling in a wastewater holding tank at the start of the WPA process particularly in the form of biofilm formation can accumulate to a point of disrupting system operation by causing interruptions or blockages of flow within lines and valves surrounding the accumulated growth. A method of biofilm growth mitigation or prevention is necessary to avoid system interruption and hardware replacement that is costly in both crew time and resources.

The Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University (CBE) describes its mission as “to advance the basic knowledge, technology, and education required to understand, control, and exploit biofilm processes1”. In 2019, the annual Montana Biofilm Meeting brought together a team of NASA researchers for a workshop to discuss mitigation/prevention strategies for biofouling in space life support systems. Two strategies emerged that have been the basis of ongoing work at the CBE in collaboration with MSFC and KSC: the removal of key nutrients from water streams to reduce their ability to support microbial growth and the addition of biocides to inhibit growth. Proposed Year 4 work requires the CBE to provide consultation for current work at KSC and MSFC.

1 http://www.biofilm.montana.edu/program-overview.html

PROJECT RESEARCH GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal

The overall goal of this project is to evaluate the effects of dormancy, troubleshooting nutrient limitation and its impacts as well as continue to troubleshoot biocide dosing and dosing frequency in on-site tests at NASA MSFC. These evaluations will seek to inform:

1. Nutrient limitation as a means of controlling biofilm.

2. The use of biocide dosing as a means of controlling biofilm.

3. Studies on the effects of dormancy on biofilm proliferation.

Scope of Work (7-month scope) o Provide consultation meetings with biofilm experts at the CBE via email or video calls, as provided in the attached quote.

Such meetings occur on a bi-weekly basis.

Deliverables (7-month deliverables) o Attendance to meetings in order to discuss current topics and troubleshooting.