Mars Base Zero

> Some suggestions/question for human waste management:
> have you considered a composting toilet?
Yes, we have. But the problem is the output is not sterile, so you'd
have to sterilize it.

> On an incinerator toilet
The problem with these is the loss of nutrients. Also I understand
the vent puts out some nasty fumes on occasion--not something I'd want
vented into the air I was breathing!

I have changed back to my origional system, which is composting solids
before sterilization, so it doesn't smell. Urine is still a minor
problem, but I can put up with it.

> Both types expect some venting, so I'm not sutre how that would work
out
> in your suystem, although soil filtering like you are doing sounds like
> a good idea (you can also use water perhaps?)
I imagine water would work, if you could come up with a pump strong
enough to move the air fast enough...

> I've known two people personally who did R&D on sewage processing
> (though not now) -- Stella Andrassy who had a tennis court sized system
> that used solar energy for drying, and Dr. (Edwin) "Ted" Battley who
> used a bio-reactor with bacteria to break things down. Ted is a great
> guy and you might email him with what you are doing and ask for advice
> if you need it on sterilization or other issues.
I'll check this out...though the problem with both these ideas is a
lack of sterility. I've looked at bio-reactors, and it would be
feasible if you sterilized the water before you re-used it.
Unfortunately we don't have the time or money or space for such a
system. Perhaps in the next facility (Nauvik, which will be a fully
sealed structure, and a fair amount larger)?

> In China they call this "night soil" (transported at night and not
> discussed) and it is the secret to how they have maintained soil
> fertility for 40 centuris of farming
Have you read One Circle? They go into this concept pretty heavily.
They do have a lot of problems with spreading disease this way though.

I believe the term night soil origionated in Europe during the middle
ages, when the same concept was used.

> Have you looked at the "Ark" concept like from John Todd and New
Alchemy
> (or Solviva Greenhouse, etc?) -- essentially homes that produce all
> their own food.
Yes, we checked into John Todd quite a few years ago. Even went to
New England to see him...

> Anyway, I really like the funky convergenge of space settlement and
> 1960s/1970s back to the land / self-reliance /ecological technology!
*grin* Strange, isn't it?

> By the way, you've probably heard of Richard Crew and the "See-1"
> project from the living universe foundation?
Yes, I was following that, but like you say they seem to be having
problems...hope they manage to pull it together.

> Anyway, just suggestions to try to help out, take them for what they
are
> worth.

Thanks!!

Ray C.
Mars Base Zero inhabitant::day 22