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Charles H. Walkinshaw

Publications and source records attributed to Charles H. Walkinshaw.

Quarantine testing and biocharacterization of lunar materials

Quarantine testing was conducted to ensure the safety of all life on earth. The plants and animals which were exposed to lunar material were carefully observed for prolonged periods to determine if any mutation or changes in growing characteristics and behavior occurred. The quarantine testing was terminated after the Apollo 14 flight when it became apparent that previously returned lunar material contained no potentially harmful agents. Further biological experimentation with the lunar material was conducted to determine its chemical, physical, and nutritional qualities.

Gerald R. Taylor↗

Analysis of vegetable seedlings grown in contact with Apollo 14 lunar surface fines.

Chemical analyses and other measurements made on lunar-treated plant seedlings grown for 14 to 21 days demonstrate a direct interaction between germfree plants and lunar material. Treated plants dissolved and absorbed significant quantities of Al, Fe, and Ti from the lunar fines. Cabbage and Brussels sprouts were particularly efficient in the dissolution and absorption of Mn. These results suggested that the beneficial effects observed in the Apollo 11 and 12 quarantine studies might be caused by the uptake of ions from the lunar material.

Charles H. Walkinshaw↗