Long-duration space missions and remote environments require closed-loop systems capable of recycling water and nutrients from complex waste streams. Conventional physical and chemical treatment systems rely on consumables, external resupply, or storage, increasing cost, logistics burden, and mission risk. Current approaches often lack nutrient recovery capabilities and are not optimized for compact, resource-limited applications.
This technology integrates anaerobic digestion and phototrophic membrane bioreactors into a single automated platform that treats high-strength wastewater while recovering nutrients for reuse. The system combines biological processing with ultrafiltration membranes to achieve high removal efficiencies and generate a fertilizer-grade effluent suitable for hydroponic applications. Continuous operation and performance data demonstrate reliable treatment in a compact, scalable configuration.
APMBR Flow Diagram