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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Phase I research of a second stage biological reactor determined that second stage anammox based biological wastewater treatment is feasible and has potential to improve water recycling in space-based applications. Phase II research indicates that second stage treatment has potential to remove more than 90% of nitrogen species from urine pretreated in a first stage gMABR. An improved prototype was also developed at part of Phase II research. Phase IIE research will focus on developing the next prototype for treatment and determining the quantity and quality of off-gasses from the reactor.
Biological treatment of wastewater generated in space-based activities has a good potential to signficantly lower the cost of recycling water for potable use. Currently, all large scale municiplal water reuse projects have integral biological treatment due to its overall lower cost of treatment. As larger quantities of wastewater are generated in space based activities (such as colonization) biological treatment is an option that must be considered.
Prior and current research for NASA have resulted in a possible two stage biological treatment system capable of use for recycling animal wastewater for use as drinking water for livestock. This potential market is huge -- in excess of $200M in North Carolina alone. As water scarcity increases this kind of treatment becomes more atractive and even necessary.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.