Session
2023 poster session
Location
Weber State University
Start Date
5-8-2023 10:00 AM
Description
Cyanobacteria have been referred to as the architects of Earth’s atmosphere and are widely credited with being the planet’s first oxygenators. While it is speculated that cyanobacteria could similarly be utilized to oxygenate the atmosphere of Mars, one constraint is resource scarcity on the planet. Studies have shown that certain cyanobacteria can survive at least short term in media comprised of Martian regolith; however, their ability to thrive long term in such nutrient-deprived conditions is questionable. This study aims to investigate whether a cyanobacterial culture grown in a nutrient-deprived medium can be supplemented with urine and certain vitamin-producing bacteria to fill in nutritional deficits and lead to a symbiotic relationship which facilitates the long-term survival of the culture.
Supplementation of Martian Regolith Media for Sustained Cyanobacterial Growth
Weber State University
Cyanobacteria have been referred to as the architects of Earth’s atmosphere and are widely credited with being the planet’s first oxygenators. While it is speculated that cyanobacteria could similarly be utilized to oxygenate the atmosphere of Mars, one constraint is resource scarcity on the planet. Studies have shown that certain cyanobacteria can survive at least short term in media comprised of Martian regolith; however, their ability to thrive long term in such nutrient-deprived conditions is questionable. This study aims to investigate whether a cyanobacterial culture grown in a nutrient-deprived medium can be supplemented with urine and certain vitamin-producing bacteria to fill in nutritional deficits and lead to a symbiotic relationship which facilitates the long-term survival of the culture.