A Compact Monitor for Ethylene and Other Plant-Produced Volatile Organic Compounds for NASA Space Missions.
Vladimir DobrokhotovAlexander LarinElena ViuginaAdam EmbertonAndrey LivchakJay T CremerCharles K GaryPublished in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
In this work, we discuss the development of a compact analytical instrument for monitoring ethylene in compact greenhouses utilized by NASA to grow fresh vegetables in space. Traditionally, ethylene measurements are conducted by GC-MS systems. However, in space, they are not applicable due to their bulky size, heavy weight, special carrier gas requirement and high maintenance. Our group developed a compact and robust battery-powered ethylene monitor based on the principles of analytical gas chromatography. The device utilizes purified ambient air as a carrier gas and a metal oxide sensor as a GC detector. Implementation of a CarboWax 20 M packed column from Restek together with a Tenax TA pre-concentrator allowed us to achieve a 20 ppb limit of detection for ethylene. Full automation of measurements and reporting of concentrations was accomplished via the implementation of a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and a 7″ 720P LED capacitive touchscreen utilized for data output. Based on a feasibility study, a fully automated, industrial-grade ethylene monitoring and removal system for greenhouses was developed.
Keyphrases
- gas chromatography
- primary care
- healthcare
- mass spectrometry
- liquid chromatography
- deep learning
- air pollution
- low cost
- body mass index
- tandem mass spectrometry
- emergency department
- room temperature
- magnetic resonance imaging
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance
- physical activity
- solid phase extraction
- risk assessment
- high resolution
- heavy metals
- data analysis
- single cell
- quantum dots
- ionic liquid
- adverse drug