Balanced Aquatic Microcosms: Their Implications for Space Travel

Abstract

Data are summarized showing that the course of diurnal metabolism in several different types of balanced aquatic microcosms tends to follow the same pattern. Both net photosynthesis and nighttime respiration are maximal in the first half of the light or dark periods. This phenomenon also occurs in natural balanced aquatic communities. The importance of this metabolic pattern to closed life support systems of an ecological nature is pointed out, and ways of avoiding adverse effects to astronauts are suggested.