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DOE OSTI2021

Methane-derived carbon flows into host–virus networks at different trophic levels in soil

Significance The impact of soil viruses on prokaryotic hosts and their functional processes is largely unknown. While metagenomic sequencing of soil microbial communities enables identification of linkages between viruses and hosts, this does not necessarily identify contemporary interactions. To enable a detailed analysis of active virus–host interactions between individual populations, we focused on the critical biogeochemical process of methane (CH 4 ) oxidation and followed the transfer of carbon from hosts to their associated viruses in situ. Analysis of 13 C-enriched metagenomic DNA demonstrated that CH 4 -derived carbon is transferred into viral biomass via both primary and secondary utilizers of CH 4 and suggests viral predation is an important mechanism for releasing CH 4 -derived organic carbon into the soil matrix.

Lee, Sungeun↗

DOE OSTI2025

Multiphase Processing of the Water-Soluble and Insoluble Phases of Biomass Burning Organic Aerosol

Biomass burning is one of the most significant sources of organic aerosol in the atmosphere. Biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) has been observed to undergo liquid– liquid phase separation (LLPS) to give core–shell morphology with the hydrophobic phase encapsulating the hydrophilic phase, potentially impacting the evolution of light-absorbing components, i.e., brown carbon (BrC), through multiphase processes. Here, we demonstrate how multiphase processing differs between the watersoluble (i.e., hydrophilic) and insoluble (i.e., hydrophobic) phases of BBOA in terms of reactive uptake of ozone in a coated-wall flow tube. Effects of relative humidity (RH) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation were investigated. Experimental timeseries were used to inform simulations using multilayer kinetic modeling. Among non-irradiated thin films, the uptake coefficient was greatest for the water-soluble phase at 75% RH (3 × 10 –5 , corresponding to a diffusion coefficient of BrC, D BrC , of 3 × 10 –9 cm 2 s –1 ) and least for the same phase at 0% RH (1 × 10 –5 , corresponding to D BrC of 1 × 10 –10 cm 2 s –1 ). The uptake coefficient for the water-insoluble phase fell between these two (about 1.5 × 10 –5 ), regardless of RH, and the corresponding D BrC increased only slightly (8 × 10 –10 cm 2 s –1 at 0% RH to 9 × 10 –10 cm 2 s –1 at 75% RH). The uptake coefficients of both phases at 0% RH decreased significantly after UV irradiation, consistent with a transition from viscous liquid to solid and supported by qualitative microscopy observations. Modeling multiphase ozone oxidation of primary BrC components in the atmosphere demonstrated, first, that LLPS may extend the lifetime of water-soluble BBOA encapsulated by water-insoluble species by a factor of 1.5 at moderate to high RH and, also, that UV irradiation may extend the lifetime of both phases by more than a factor of 2.5.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Electrosynthesis of ethylene glycol from C 1 feedstocks in a flow electrolyzer

Ethylene glycol is a widely utilized commodity chemical, the production of which accounts for over 46 million tons of CO 2 emission annually. Here we report a paired electrocatalytic approach for ethylene glycol production from methanol. Carbon catalysts are effective in reducing formaldehyde into ethylene glycol with a 92% Faradaic efficiency, whereas Pt catalysts at the anode enable formaldehyde production through methanol partial oxidation with a 75% Faradaic efficiency. With a membrane-electrode assembly configuration, we show the feasibility of ethylene glycol electrosynthesis from methanol in a single electrolyzer. The electrolyzer operates a full cell voltage of 3.2 V at a current density of 100 mA cm -2 , with a 60% reduction in energy consumption. Further investigations, using operando flow electrolyzer mass spectroscopy, isotopic labeling, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, indicate that the desorption of a *CH 2 OH intermediate is the crucial step in determining the selectively towards ethylene glycol over methanol.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

NASA NTRS2017

A Ratio of Spore to Viable Organisms: A Case Study of the JPL-SAF Cleanroom

Spacecraft surfaces that are destined to land on potential life-harboring celestial bodies are required to be rigorously cleaned and continuously monitored for spore bioburden as a proxy for spacecraft cleanliness. The NASA standard assay (NSA), used for spacecraft bioburden estimates, specifically measures spores that are cultivable, aerobic, resistant to heat shock, and grow at 30 C in a nutrient-rich medium. Since the vast majority of microorganisms cannot be cultivated using the NSA, it is necessary to utilize state-of-the art molecular techniques to better understand the presence of all viable microorganisms, not just those measured with the NSA. In this study, the nutrient-deprived low biomass cleanrooms, where spacecraft are assembled, were used as a surrogate for spacecraft surfaces to measure the ratio of NSA spores in relation to the total viable microorganism population in order to make comparisons with the 2006 Space Studies Board (SSB) estimate of 1 spore per approximately 50,000 viable organisms. Ninety-eight surface wipe samples were collected from the Spacecraft Assembly Facility (SAF) cleanroom at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) over a 6-month period. The samples were processed and analyzed using classical microbiology along with molecular methodology. Traditional microbiology plating methods were used to determine the cultivable bacterial, fungal, and spore populations. Molecular assays were used to determine the total organisms (TO, dead and live) and the viable organisms (VO, live). The TO was measured using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The VO was measured using internal ATP, propidium monoazide (PMA)-qPCR, and flow cytometry (after staining for viable microorganisms) assays. Based on the results, it was possible to establish a ratio between spore counts and VO for each viability assay. The ATP-based spore to VO ratio ranged from 149-746, and the bacterial PMA-qPCR assay-based ratio ranged from 314-1,491 VO, per spore. The most conservative estimate came from fluorescent-assisted cell sorting (FACS), which estimated the ratio to be 12,091 VO per 1 NSA spore. Since archaeal (less than 1%) and fungal (approximately 2%) populations were negligible, the spore to VO ratios were based on bacterial population estimates. The most conservative ratio from this study can be used as a replacement for the SSB estimate on nutrient-deprived (oligotrophic) desiccated spacecraft surfaces, to estimate the VO from NSA measurements without utilizing state-of-the art molecular methods that are costly and require more biomass than is typically found on spacecraft surfaces.

Hendrickson, Ryan↗

DOE OSTI2021

Effects of different vegetation drag parameterizations on the tidal propagation in coastal marshlands

Vegetation drag is a fundamental quantity directly affecting results for both long- and short-term coastal marsh and geomorphological studies. The vegetation drag in coastal marshland has been modeled by various two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) numerical parameterizations. 2D parameterizations treat coastal marshes as bottom roughness elements, while 3D parameterizations resolve the vertically-variable vegetation drag through the water column. However, differences in tidal propagation arising from different drag parameterizations within a single model are largely unknown, and clear guidance on parameterization selection is still missing. In this study, we implemented four vegetation drag parameterizations into the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Ocean (MPAS-O), which include 1) a 2D parameterization using land-cover type-determined Manning’s n (2DLM); 2) a 2D parameterization using vegetation-determined Manning’s n (2DVM); 3) a 3D parameterization for stiff vegetation (3DSV); and 4) a 3D parameterization for flexible vegetation (3DFV). Estimates of the flow resistance effects from these parameterizations were compared using a series of idealized tidal propagation simulations. Given the same tidal condition, flooding depth and flooding distance are the largest in the 2DLM simulations and the smallest in the 3DSV simulations. 2DVM results are the closest to the 2DLM results. 3DFV results are the closest to the average of 2DVM, 3DSV, and 3DFV results. 2DVM and 3DSV results are the least and most sensitive to the vegetation aboveground biomass, respectively. Based on the input data requirement and computational efficiency of each parameterization, a comparison summary is provided to help inform parameterization selection for specific applications. Here, the effects of these parameterizations on coastal geomorphology are further discussed, and the results demonstrate that estimates of the long-term evolution of coastal marshes and coastal morphology depend upon the selection of the vegetation drag parameterization

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1999

Composting on Mars or the Moon: II. Temperature feedback control with top-wise introduction of waste material and air

Whereas Earth-based composting reactors that effectively control the process are batch operations with bottom-to-top airflow, in extraterrestrial application both the fresh waste and the air need to be introduced from above. Stabilized compost and used air would exit below. This materials flow pattern permits the addition of waste whenever generated, obviating the need for multiple reactors, and the incorporation of a commode in the lid. Top loading in turn dictates top-down aeration, so that the most actively decomposing material (greatest need for heat removal and O2 replenishment) is first encountered. This novel material and aeration pattern was tested in conjunction with temperature feedback process control. Reactor characteristics were: working, volume, 0.15 m3; charge, 2 kg dry biomass per day (comparable to a 3-4 person self-sufficient bioregenerative habitat); retention time, 7 days. Judging from temperature profile, O2 level, air usage, pressure head loss, moisture, and odor, the system was effectively controlled over a 35-day period. Dry matter disappearance averaged 25% (10-42%). The compost product was substantially, though not completely, stabilized. This demonstrates the compatibility of top-wise introduction of waste and air with temperature feedback process control.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

DOE OSTI2025

Brazilian CBP - Technoeconomic analysis data

This data is related to the paper entitled "Techno-economic analysis of sugarcane bagasse and straw conversion into cellulosic ethanol via consolidated bioprocessing". That features the evaluation of sugarcane bagasse and straw conversion to ethanol at stand-alone facilities generating electricity from residues. The following scenarios were evaluated: Conventional, featuring hydrothermal pretreatment, fungal cellulase, and yeast fermentation (current commercial standard); Mid-term consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), relying on bagasse solubilization without pretreatment or cotreatment; and Mature CBP, incorporating cotreatment but no pretreatment and considering significant technological advance of the CBP. Available here are the spreadsheets used for Material and Energy balance calculation, Capital and Operational costs estimation and Cash flow analysis. Also available are the description and python code used for Monte Carlo analysis of the ethanol and capital investment variations. This data can be used as a source to implement other techno-economic analysis in the biorefinary context.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Lignin molecular weights of Populus trichocarpa residues after CELF pretreatment

Here we present a dataset of molecular weights of lignin from a woody energy crop (Populus trichocarpa) residues after a series of co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF) pretreatment. The natural poplar variant GW-9947 from the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) was used. The poplar was knife milled and passed through a 1 mm sieve and CELF pretreatment was performed in a Parr autoclave reactor with 7.5 wt % solids loading, 0.5 wt% H2SO4 as catalyst at 150°C with various time. Tetrahydrofuran was added in a 1:1 mass ratio with water as the pretreatment solvent. Lignin was isolated from the pretreated samples after ball-milling in a porcelain jar with ceramic balls via Retsch PM 200 at 580 rpm for 2.5 h followed by enzymatic hydrolysis in acetate buffer (pH 4.8, 50 °C) for 48 h. The solid residue was isolated by centrifugation and hydrolyzed again with freshly added buffer and enzymes for another 48 h. After filtration, the solid residue was extracted twice with 96% (v/v) 1,4-dioxane/water mixture at room temperature overnight. The extracts were combined, rotary evaporated, and freeze-dried to recover lignin. The lignin samples were then derivatized in an acetic anhydride/pyridine (1:1, v/v) mixture and stirred at room temperature for 24 h. Ethanol was added to the reaction mixture, left for 30 min and then removed with a rotary evaporator. The addition and removal of ethanol was repeated at least 3 times until all traces of acetic acid were removed. Acetylated lignin samples were then dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. The molecular weight of acetylated lignin was measured by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) on a PSS-Polymer Standards Service (Warwick, RI, USA) GPC SECurity 1200 system featuring Agilent HPLC 1200 components equipped with four Waters Styragel columns (HR1, HR2, HR4 and HR6) and an UV detector (270 nm). Tetrahydrofuran was used as the mobile phase and flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. The Polymer Standards Service WinGPC Unity software (Build 6807) was used for data processing for all the samples. The data provides information about the effects of CELF pretreatment time at 150 ºC on lignin molecular weights.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Kinetics and Reactor Modeling of VFA Ketonization for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Ketonization of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced via arrested methanogenesis of wet waste represents the only unit operation of wet waste upgrading to sustainable (net-zero or negative life cycle CO2 emissions) aviation fuel not currently in industrial practice. Ketone product yields of close to 100% have been obtained during gas-phase reactions of VFAs over oxide catalysts at the laboratory scale, but design of an industrial ketonization reactor requires understanding of the impacts of reactant and product partial pressures, deactivation, and heat and mass transport phenomena on observed ketonization rates. Our work leverages rigorous kinetic analysis of ketonization processes to inform reactor scale-up efforts through packed-bed reactor modeling. We first present results of a kinetic study of ketonization of a model VFA, hexanoic acid, over an industrial ZrO2 catalyst performed in a packed-bed microreactor in conditions free of significant heat or mass transfer gradients. Major findings of the analysis include: (i) hexanoic acid saturates all catalyst active sites at relatively low partial pressure (~10 kPa) and (ii) ketonization products 6-undecanone, water, and CO2 inhibit reaction rates. Kinetic data are used to fit a rate expression quantifying the functional dependence of ketonization rate on partial pressures of VFA reactants and ketone, water, and CO2 products. A packed-bed reactor model describing vapor-phase hexanoic acid ketonization over ZrO2 extrudate catalysts is developed based on the kinetic model. The effects of (i) bed- and pellet-scale mass- and heat-transfer limitations and (ii) axial pressure drop guide our development of recommendations for optimal sizing, temperature, and influent flow composition of an industrial-scale ketonization reactor. The quantitative understanding of VFA ketonization developed in this study represents an advance toward derisking the VFA ketonization step of wet waste upgrading to sustainable aviation fuel.

biojet↗

DOE OSTI2023

Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent methane/air flame impinged by a sub-breakdown electric field

Here, the effects of an external electric field on a turbulent methane/air diffusion flame are analyzed in this work using direct numerical simulations. The analyzed configuration consists of a temporally evolving mixing layer of air and a mixture of methane and nitrogen at 1 atm that is impinged by an electric field in the direction normal to the mean mixing plane. The combustion and chemi-ionization reactions involved in the flow are modeled using finite-rate chemistry and a reduced reaction scheme consisting of 26 species and 134 reactions. The mass diffusion and ion-wind effects are modeled using a detailed description of the diffusion coefficients and electric mobilities based on kinetic theory. The presented calculations show that the turbulence generated within the mixing layer is mostly unaffected by the applied electric field for the configuration under exam. In fact, the electric body force is developed away from the mixing region where the flow is uniform. Conversely, the turbulence is able to introduce very high intermittency in the electrically charged species concentration and, consequently, in the electric body force. Such intermittency will constitute a challenge in the future formulation of combustion models that take into account ion-wind effects.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

NASA NTRS2013

Discriminating Phytoplankton Functional Types (PFTs) in the Coastal Ocean Using the Inversion Algorithm Phydotax and Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Data

There is a need in the Biological Oceanography community to discriminate among phytoplankton groups within the bulk chlorophyll pool to understand energy flow through ecosystems, to track the fate of carbon in the ocean, and to detect and monitor-for harmful algal blooms (HABs). The ocean color community has responded to this demand with the development of phytoplankton functional type (PFT) discrimination algorithms. These PFT algorithms fall into one of three categories depending on the science application: size-based, biogeochemical function, and taxonomy. The new PFT algorithm Phytoplankton Detection with Optics (PHYDOTax) is an inversion algorithm that discriminates taxon-specific biomass to differentiate among six taxa found in the California Current System: diatoms, dinoflagellates, haptophytes, chlorophytes, cryptophytes, and cyanophytes. PHYDOTax was developed and validated in Monterey Bay, CA for the high resolution imaging spectrometer, Spectroscopic Aerial Mapping System with On-board Navigation (SAMSON - 3.5 nm resolution). PHYDOTax exploits the high spectral resolution of an imaging spectrometer and the improved spatial resolution that airborne data provides for coastal areas. The objective of this study was to apply PHYDOTax to a relatively lower resolution imaging spectrometer to test the algorithm's sensitivity to atmospheric correction, to evaluate capability with other sensors, and to determine if down-sampling spectral resolution would degrade its ability to discriminate among phytoplankton taxa. This study is a part of the larger Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) airborne simulation campaign which is collecting Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) imagery aboard NASA's ER-2 aircraft during three seasons in each of two years over terrestrial and marine targets in California. Our aquatic component seeks to develop and test algorithms to retrieve water quality properties (e.g. HABs and river plumes) in both marine and in-land water bodies. Results presented are from the 10 April 2013 overflight of the Monterey Bay region and focus primarily on the first objective - sensitivity to atmospheric correction. On-going and future work will continue to evaluate if PHYDOTax can be applied to historical (SeaWiFS and MERIS), existing (MODIS, VIIRS, and HICO), and future (PACE, GEO-CAPE, and HyspIRI) satellite sensors. Demonstration of cross-platform continuity may aid in calibration and validation efforts of these sensors.

Biological Oceanography↗

DOE OSTI2022

Lifecycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis of Biochar Pellet Production from Forest Residues and Field Application

Biochar produced from low-value forest biomass can provide substantial benefits to ecosystems and mitigate climate change-induced risks such as forest fires. Forest residues from restoration activities and timber harvest and biochar itself are bulky and thus incur high logistic costs, so are considered major bottlenecks for the commercialization of the biochar industry. The objectives of this study were to assess the environmental footprints and techno-economic feasibility of converting forest residues in Pacific Northwest United States into biochar pellets using portable systems followed by delivery of the final product to end-users for land application (dispersion). Two portable systems (Biochar Solutions Incorporated (BSI) and Air Curtain Burner (ACB)) were considered for biochar production. A cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessment (LCA) and a discounted cash flow analysis method were used to quantify the environmental impacts and minimum selling price (MSP) of biochar. The global warming (GW) impact of biochar production through BSI and ACB was estimated to be 306–444, and 750–1016 kgCO₂eq/tonne biochar applied to the field, respectively. The MSP of biochar produced through BSI and ACB was 1674–1909 and 528–1051 USD/tonne biochar applied to the field, respectively. Pelletizing of biochar reduced GW impacts during outbound logistics (~8–20%) but increased emissions during pelletizing (~1–9%). Results show the BSI system was a more viable option in terms of GW impact, whereas the ACB system can produce biochar with lower MSP. The results of the study conclude that the production of biochar pellets through the two portable systems and applied to fields can be both an environmentally beneficial and economically viable option.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Carbon fixation systems in plants and algae

Provided are methods for elevating cyclic electron transfer activity, improving carbon concentration, and enhancing carbon fixation in C3 and C4 plants, and algae, and producing biomass or other products from C3 or C4 plants, and algae, selected from among, for example, starches, oils, fatty acids, lipids, cellulose or other carbohydrates, alcohols, sugars, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, fragrance and flavoring compounds, and organic acids, as well as transgenic plants produced thereby. These methods and transgenic plants and algae encompass the expression, or overexpression, of various combinations of genes that improve carbon concentrating systems in plants and algae, such as bicarbonate transport proteins, carbonic anhydrase, light driven proton pump, cyclic electron flow regulators, etc.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Carbon fixation systems in plants and algae

Provided are heterologous nucleic acid constructs, vectors and methods for elevating cyclic electron transfer activity, improving carbon concentration, and enhancing carbon fixation in C3 and C4 plants, and algae, and producing biomass or other products from C3 or C4 plants, and algae, selected from among, for example, starches, oils, fatty acids, lipids, cellulose or other carbohydrates, alcohols, sugars, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, fragrance and flavoring compounds, and organic acids, as well as transgenic plants produced thereby. These methods and transgenic plants and algae encompass the expression, or overexpression, of various combinations of genes that improve carbon concentrating systems in plants and algae, such as bicarbonate transport proteins, carbonic anhydrase, light driven proton pump, cyclic electron flow regulators, etc.

Sayre, Richard Thomas↗

DOE OSTI2022

Carbon fixation systems in plants and algae

Sayre, Richard Thomas↗

DOE OSTI2021

Understanding Multilevel Selection May Facilitate Management of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Sustainable Agroecosystems

Studies in natural ecosystems show that adaptation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and other microbial plant symbionts to local environmental conditions can help ameliorate stress and optimize plant fitness. This local adaptation arises from the process of multilevel selection, which is the simultaneous selection of a hierarchy of groups. Studies of multilevel selection in natural ecosystems may inform the creation of sustainable agroecosystems through developing strategies to effectively manage crop microbiomes including AM symbioses. Field experiments show that the species composition of AM fungal communities varies across environmental gradients, and that the biomass of AM fungi and their benefits for plants generally diminish when fertilization and irrigation eliminate nutrient and water limitations. Furthermore, pathogen protection by mycorrhizas is only important in environments prone to plant damage due to pathogens. Consequently, certain agricultural practices may inadvertently select for less beneficial root symbioses because the conventional agricultural practices of fertilization, irrigation, and use of pesticides can make these symbioses superfluous for optimizing crop performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine how multilevel selection influences the flow of matter, energy, and genetic information through mycorrhizal microbiomes in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and propose testable hypotheses about how mycorrhizae may be actively managed to increase agricultural sustainability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS2012

Determining Aerosol Plume Height from Two GEO Imagers: Lessons from MISR and GOES

Aerosol plume height is a key parameter to determine impacts of particulate matters generated from biomass burning, wind-blowing dust, and volcano eruption. Retrieving cloud top height from stereo imageries from two GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) have been demonstrated since 1970's and the principle should work for aerosol plumes if they are optically thick. The stereo technique has also been used by MISR (Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer) since 2000 that has nine look angles along track to provide aerosol height measurements. Knowing the height of volcano aerosol layers is as important as tracking the ash plume flow for aviation safety. Lack of knowledge about ash plume height during the 2010 Eyja'rjallajokull eruption resulted in the largest air-traffic shutdown in Europe since World War II. We will discuss potential applications of Asian GEO satellites to make stereo measurements for dust and volcano plumes.

Wu, Dong L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Atmospheric Energy Limits on Subsurface Life on Mars

It has been suggested that the terrestrial biomass of subterranean organisms may equal or exceed that at the surface. Taken as a group, these organisms can live in heavily saline conditions at temperatures from 115 C to as low as -20 C. Such conditions might exist on Mars beneath the surface oxidant in an aquifer or hydrothermal system, where the surrounding rock would also protect against the solar ultraviolet radiation. The way that such systems could obtain energy and carbon is not completely clear, although it is believed that on Earth, energy flows from the interaction of highly reduced basalt with groundwater produce H2, while carbon is derived from CO2 dissolved in the groundwater. Another potential source is the Martian atmosphere, acting as a photochemical conduit of solar insolation.

Weiss, B. P.↗