Direct NASA applications of the reagent-regenerative, microgravity-compatible, compact-sized ion analyzer (RMCIA) include the on-board water quality monitor to frequently analyze the crew water supply in order to quickly indicate if the Exploration Water Recovery System (EWRS) is not functioning properly. The multi-analyte capability will expand the applications to measurements on typical ionic species in humidity condensate, potable water, wastewater, byproducts of water treatment such as brines, and biomedical and science samples for manned space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. The expected results of the Phase I project will provide a strong technical base for Phase II follow-on research and development work, so as to apply this technology to NASA's roadmap in the discipline area of Advanced Environmental Monitoring & Control (AEMC) of the theme of Advanced Human Support Technologies (AHST).
Successful development of the reagent-regenerative, microgravity-compatible, compact-sized ion analyzer (RMCIA) as a portable device will have a high commercial applicability to a wide range of industries where water quality assurance and control is important, such as semiconductor industries, food and drink industries, and pharmaceutical industries, and where water quality analysis of inorganic pollutants in both environmental and potable water sources is critical, such as municipal utilities and remote potable water production.
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