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Fibrous Mat Flow System
The fibrous mat flow system consists of a coconut fiber
(coir) mat planted with hardy, salt-tolerant plants that can withstand a soggy
growth medium; at present alfalfa and barley are planned. The growth medium
provides a high-surface-area matrix that aerobic bacteria naturally cover with
biofilm. This biofilm decomposes dissolved and suspended material in the septic
supernatant, liberating nutrients that are then fixed by growth of the
photosynthetic plants.
Research
Aquatic Tanks and Algal Turf Scrubbers are two other types
of bioreactor with MDRS research programs (using equipment bays beneath the
fibrous mat flow system, or in the research segment). Mars Society members are
encouraged to propose other research programs - either for Mars life support,
or to help improve the MDRS water recycling system.
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