In bio-regenerative life support systems (BLSS) for use in space, a liquid and gas loop exist to regenerate oxygen and food. For food regeneration (here higher plants production), nutrients are provided through the liquid loop, based on hydroponic mode of cultivation. Usually, in such a hydroponic system, a microbiota develops due to a specific relationship with the plants. In a case like this one, what are generally the organic compounds taken up and excreted by the microbiota?
For specifics on the system: Poughon et al., 2009; L. Poughon, B. Farges, C.G. Dussap, F. Godia, C. Lasseur; Simulation of the MELiSSA closed loop system as a tool to define its integration strategy; Adv. Space Res., 44 (2009), pp. 1392–1403