Results for “CO2 enrichment”

NASA NTRS1986

Wheat response to CO2 enrichment: CO2 exchanges transpiration and mineral uptakes

When simulating canopies planted in varied densities, researchers were able to demonstrate that increase of dry matter production by enhancing CO2 quickly becomes independant of increase of leaf area, especially above leaf area index of 2; dry matter gain results mainly from photosynthesis stimulation per unit of surface (primary CO2 effect). When crop density is low (the plants remaining alone a longer time), the effects of increasing leaf surface (tillering, leaf elongation here, branching for other plants etc.) was noticeable and dry matter simulation factor reached 1.65. This area effect decreased when canopy was closed in, as the effect of different surfaces no longer worked. The stimulation of photosynthesis reached to the primary CO2 effect. The accumulation in dry matter which was fast during that phase made the original weight advantage more and more neglectible. Comparison with short term measurements showed that first order long term effect of CO2 in wheat is predictible with short term experiment, from the effect of CO2 on photosynthesis measured on reference sample.

Andre, M.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Growth, pod, and seed yield, and gas exchange of hydroponically grown peanut in response to CO2 enrichment

The effects of elevated CO2 on growth, pod, and seed yield, and gas exchange of 'Georgia Red' peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were evaluated under controlled environmental conditions. Plants were exposed to concentrations of 400 (ambient), 800, and 1200 micromoles mol-1 CO2 in reach-in growth chambers. Foliage fresh and dry weights increased with increased CO2 up to 800 micromoles mol-1, but declined at 1200 micromoles mol-1. The number and the fresh and dry weights of pods also increased with increasing CO2 concentration. However, the yield of immature pods was not significantly influenced by increased CO2. Total seed yield increased 33% from ambient to 800 micromoles mol-1 CO2, and 4% from 800 to 1200 micromoles mol-1 CO2. Harvest index increased with increasing CO2. Branch length increased while specific leaf area decreased linearly as CO2 increased from ambient to 1200 micromoles mol-1. Net photosynthetic rate was highest among plants grown at 800 micromoles mol-1. Stomatal conductance decreased with increased CO2. Carboxylation efficiency was similar among plants grown at 400 and 800 micromoles mol-1 and decreased at 1200 micromoles mol-1 CO2. These results suggest that CO2 enrichment from 400 to 800 micromoles mol-1 had positive effects on peanut growth and yield, but above 800 micromoles mol-1 enrichment seed yield increased only marginally.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

NASA NTRS1994

Root growth and development in response to CO2 enrichment

A non-destructive technique (minirhizotron observation tubes) was used to assess the effects of CO2 enrichment on root growth and development in experimental plots in a scrub oak-palmetto community at the Kennedy Space Center. Potential effects of CO2 enrichment on plants have a global significance in light of concerns over increasing CO2 concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere. The study at Kennedy Space Center focused on aboveground physiological responses (photosynthetic efficiency and water use efficiency), effects on process rates (litter decomposition and nutrient turnover), and belowground responses of the plants. Belowground dynamics are an exceptionally important component of total plant response but are frequently ignored due to methodological difficulties. Most methods used to examine root growth and development are destructive and, therefore, severely compromise results. Minirhizotrons allow nondestructive observation and quantification of the same soil volume and roots through time. Root length density and root phenology were evaluated for CO2 effects with this nondestructive technique.

Day, Frank P., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Microgravity Droplet Combustion in CO2 Enriched Environments at Elevated Pressures

Microgravity droplet combustion experiments were performed in elevated concentrations of CO2 at pressures of 1.0 atm, 3.0 atm, and 5.0 atm to examine the effects of a radiatively participating suppression agent in space applications. Methanol and n-heptane droplets, with an initial diameter of 2.0 mm supported on a quartz fiber, were used in these experiments. The ambient O2 concentration was held constant at 21% and the CO2 concentrations ranged from 0% to a maximum of 70%, by volume with the balance consisting of N2 . Results from the methanol tests showed slight decreases in burning rates with increased CO2 concentrations at all ambient pressures. The n-heptane tests show slight increases in burning rates with increasing CO2 concentrations at each pressure level. Instantaneous radiative heat flux was also measured using both a broadband radiometer (i.e., wavelengths from 0.6 microns to 40.0 microns) and a narrowband radiometer (i.e., centered at 5.6 microns with a filter width at half maximum of 1.5 microns). Radiative exchanges between the droplet and surrounding gases as well as the soot field produce departures from the classical quasisteady theory which would predict a decrease in burning rates with increasing CO2 concentrations in microgravity.

Hicks, Michael C.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Utilization of potatoes for life support systems in space. IV - Effect of CO2 enrichment

To assess the response of potato to elevated carbon dioxide levels in life support farms for space colonies, Norland and Russet Burbank were grown in solid stands in separate controlled environment rooms at two CO2 levels, 365 micromol/mol and 1000 micromol/mol. It is found that potatoes show only marginal growth gains from elevated CO2: tuber dry weight increased by 2 percent for Norland, and 12 percent for Russet Burbank. CO2 assimilation rates of Norland leaves increased by about 24 percent, but assimilation rates of Russet Burbank leaves decreased by about 12 percent. It is concluded that the best productivity obtained in the study (21.9 g tuber dry weight/sq m/day from Norland at 1000 micromol/mol of CO2) indicates that the dietary energy needs of one human in space could be supplied from 34 sq m of potatoes.

Wheeler, Raymond M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Low Reynolds Number Droplet Combustion In CO2 Enriched Atmospheres In Microgravity

The effect of radiative feedback from the gas phase in micro-gravity combustion processes has been of increasing concern because of the implications in the selection and evaluation of appropriate fire suppressants. The use of CO2, an optically thick gas in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, has garnered widespread acceptance as an effective fire suppressant for most ground based applications. Since buoyant forces often dominate the flow field in 1-g environments the temperature field between the flame front and the fuel surface is not significantly affected by gas phase radiative absorption and re-emission as these hot gases are quickly swept downstream. However, in reduced gravity environments where buoyant-driven convective flows are negligible and where low-speed forced convective flows may be present at levels where gas phase radiation becomes important, then changes in environment that enhance gas phase radiative effects need to be better understood. This is particularly true in assessments of flammability limits and selection of appropriate fire suppressants for future space applications. In recognition of this, a ground-based investigation has been established that uses a droplet combustion configuration to systematically study the effects of enhanced gas phase radiation on droplet burn rates, flame structure, and radiative output from the flame zone.

Hicks, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Transcriptomic responses of Serratia liquefaciens cells grown under simulated Martian conditions of low temperature, low pressure, and CO2-enriched anoxic atmosphere

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Patricia Fajardo-Cavazos↗

NASA NTRS2012

Effects of CO2 Concentration on Leaf Photosynthesis and Stomatal Conductance of Potatoes Grown Under Different Irradiance Levels and Photoperiods

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cvs. Russet Burbank, Denali, and Norland, were grown in environmental rooms controlled at approx 350 micro mol/mol (ambient during years 1987/1988) and 1000 micro mol/mol (enriched) CO2 concentrations. Plants and electric lamps were arranged to provide two irradiance zones, 400 and 800 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF and studies were repeated using two photoperiods (12-h light / 12-h dark and continuous light). Leaf photosynthetic rates and leaf stomatal conductance were measured using fully expanded, upper canopy leaves at weekly intervals throughout growth (21 through 84 days after transplanting). Increasing the CO2 from approx 350 to 1000 micro mol/mol under the 12-h photoperiod increased leaf photosynthetic rates by 39% at 400 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF and 27% at 800 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF. Increasing the CO2 from approx 350 to 1000 micro mol/mol under continuous light decreased leaf photosynthetic rates by 7% at 400 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF and 13% at 800 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF. Increasing the CO2 from approx 350 to 1000 micro mol/mol under the 12-h photoperiod plants decreased stomatal conductance by an average of 26% at 400 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF and 42% at 800 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF. Under continuous light, CO2 enrichment resulted in a small increase (2%) of stomatal conductance at 400 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF, and a small decrease (3%) at 800 micro mol/mol/square m/S PPF. Results indicate that CO2 enrichment under the 12-h photoperiod showed the expected increase in photosynthesis and decrease in stomatal conductance for a C3 species like potato, but the decreases in leaf photosynthetic rates and minimal effect on conductance from CO2 enrichment under continuous light were not expected. The plant leaves under continuous light showed more chlorosis and some rusty flecking versus plants under the 12-h photoperiod, suggesting the continuous light was more stressful on the plants. The increased rates of leaf photosynthesis with increased CO2 concentration paralleled trends in biomass production (published previously) but were not proportional to the biomass yields.

Wheeler, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Adaptation to high CO2 concentration in an optimal environment: radiation capture, canopy quantum yield and carbon use efficiency

The effect of elevated [CO2] on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Veery 10) productivity was examined by analysing radiation capture, canopy quantum yield, canopy carbon use efficiency, harvest index and daily C gain. Canopies were grown at either 330 or 1200 micromoles mol-1 [CO2] in controlled environments, where root and shoot C fluxes were monitored continuously from emergence to harvest. A rapidly circulating hydroponic solution supplied nutrients, water and root zone oxygen. At harvest, dry mass predicted from gas exchange data was 102.8 +/- 4.7% of the observed dry mass in six trials. Neither radiation capture efficiency nor carbon use efficiency were affected by elevated [CO2], but yield increased by 13% due to a sustained increase in canopy quantum yield. CO2 enrichment increased root mass, tiller number and seed mass. Harvest index and chlorophyll concentration were unchanged, but CO2 enrichment increased average life cycle net photosynthesis (13%, P < 0.05) and root respiration (24%, P < 0.05). These data indicate that plant communities adapt to CO2 enrichment through changes in C allocation. Elevated [CO2] increases sink strength in optimal environments, resulting in sustained increases in photosynthetic capacity, canopy quantum yield and daily C gain throughout the life cycle.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1994

Effect of Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on Radish Production Using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Radish plants (Raphanus sativus L. cvs. Cherry Belle, Giant White Globe, and Early Scarlet Globe) were grown in four different CO2 enriched environments, 0.04, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 kPa (400, 1000, 5000, 10000 ppm). Cultivar responses to CO2 treatments varied, where cv. Cherry Belle showed no significant response to CO2 enrichment, cv. Giant White Globe was moderately affected and Early Scarlet Globe was strongly affected. Enrichment at 0.10 kPa led to greater root dry matter (DM) than 1.00 kPa for cv. Giant White Glove, whereas 0.10 kPa produced greater storage root, shoot, and root DM than 1.00 kPa for cv. Early Scarlet Globe. The data suggest that 1.00 kPa CO2 may be detrimental to the growth of certain radish cultivars. Root:shoot ratios tended to increase with increasing CO2 concentration. Water use efficiency (g biomass/kg H2O) increased with increasing CO2 enrichment, up to 0.5 kPa but then declined at the 1.00 kPa treatment. The total nitric acid used to maintain nutrient solution pH was lowest at the 1.00 kPa treatment as well, suggesting a decreased demand of nutrients by the plants at the highest CO2 level.

Mackowiak, C. L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Effects of Elevated CO2 Concentration on Photosynthesis and Respiration of Populus Deltodies

To determine how increased atmospheric CO2 will affect the physiology of cottonwood trees, cuttings of the cloned Populus deltodies [cottonwood] were grown in open-top chambers containing ambient or elevated CO2 concentration. The control treatment was maintained at ambient Biosphere 2 atmospheric CO2 (c. 450 +/- 50 micro l/l), and elevated CO2 treatment was maintained at approximately double ambient Biosphere 2 atmospheric CO2 (c. 1000 +/- 50 micro l/l). The effects of elevated CO2 on leaf photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance were measured. The cottonwoods exposed to CO2 enrichment showed no significant indication of photosynthetic down-regulation. There was no significant difference in the maximum assimilation rate between the treatment and the control (P less than 0.24). The CO2 enriched treatment showed a decreased stomatal conductance of 15% (P less than 0.03). The elevated CO2 concentrated atmosphere had an effect on the respiration rates of the plants; the compensation point of the treatment was on average 13% higher than the control (P less than 0.01).

Anderson, Angela M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Yield and seed oil content response of dwarf, rapid-cycling Brassica to nitrogen treatments, planting density, and carbon dioxide enrichment

Effects of N level (15 to 30 mM), time of N increase (14 to 28 days after planting), and planting density (1163 to 2093 plants/m2) were determined for crop yield responses of dwarf, rapid-cycling brassica (Brassica napus L., CrGC 5-2, Genome: ACaacc). Crops were grown in solid-matrix hydroponic systems and under controlled-environment conditions, including nonsupplemented (ambient) or elevated CO2 concentrations (998 +/- 12 micromoles mol-1). The highest seed yield rate obtained (4.4 g m-2 day-1) occurred with the lowest N level (15 mM) applied at the latest treatment time (day 28). In all trials, CO2 enrichment reduced seed yield rate and harvest index by delaying the onset of flowering and senescence and stimulating vegetative shoot growth. The highest shoot biomass accumulation rate (55.5 g m-2 day-1) occurred with the highest N level (30 mM) applied at the earliest time (day 14). Seed oil content was not significantly affected by CO2 enrichment. Maximum seed oil content (30% to 34%, dry weight basis) was obtained using the lowest N level (15 mM) initiated at the latest treatment time (day 28). In general, an increase in seed oil content was accompanied by a decrease in seed protein. Seed carbohydrate, moisture, and ash contents did not vary significantly in response to experimental treatments. Effects of N level and time of N increase were consistently significant for most crop responses. Planting density was significant only under elevated CO2 conditions.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS2012

Utilizing Chamber Data for Developing and Validating Climate Change Models

Controlled environment chambers (e.g. growth chambers, SPAR chambers, or open-top chambers) are useful for measuring plant ecosystem responses to climatic variables and CO2 that affect plant water relations. However, data from chambers was found to overestimate responses of C fluxes to CO2 enrichment. Chamber data may be confounded by numerous artifacts (e.g. sidelighting, edge effects, increased temperature and VPD, etc) and this limits what can be measured accurately. Chambers can be used to measure canopy level energy balance under controlled conditions and plant transpiration responses to CO2 concentration can be elucidated. However, these measurements cannot be used directly in model development or validation. The response of stomatal conductance to CO2 will be the same as in the field, but the measured response must be recalculated in such a manner to account for differences in aerodynamic conductance, temperature and VPD between the chamber and the field.

Monje, Oscar↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Gene Expression and Histologic Approach to Study Production and Outflow of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Hindlimb Suspended Rats

INTRODUCTION: The Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is thought to be associated with weightlessness-induced cephalad fluid shift, possibly associated with a chronic elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) during long-duration ISS missions. Changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and cranial compliance might be involved in the ICP increase. It is not known whether CSF production and/or outflow are altered in microgravity, but changes at the molecular and cellular level in the structures that produce and regulate the transcellular and paracellular secretion and reabsorption of CSF may be relevant. In this study, we used the rat hindlimb suspension (HS) model to examine the relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP) and the cellular responses to the prolonged change in body posture elicited specifically in the choroid plexus (CP). This was evaluated by transcriptomics, histopathology and ultrastructure of the CP and arachnoid villi (AV). METHODS: ICP was measured by telemetry. The morphology, ultrastructure, and gene expression profile of the CP was examined using male 9-month-old Long Evans rats subjected to HS for 14 and 90 days. A subset of animals completing 90-day HS returned to normal posture for 14 and 90 additional days of recovery. All HS rats had age-matched cage controls maintained in normal posture. A group of animals was maintained in conditions of 1% CO2 throughout the entire protocol. The rat brains were carefully removed and preserved for various analyses, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemical analysis of specific targets involved in CSF regulation, and RNA sequencing analysis of laser capture micro-dissected CP tissue from the lateral ventricles. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: The ICP record was limited, which impacted any conclusions derived from the results. However, the ICP of rats in the CO2-enriched atmosphere appeared increased compared to those in a normal air composition. HS of rats resulted in an altered transcriptomics profile in the choroid plexus compared to animals maintained at normal posture. This was observed during both the HS period and during normal posture recovery period following 90 days of suspension. The greatest number of differentially expressed genes was observed at 90 days HS. Elevated CO2 also led to a different transcriptomics profile in the CP. The histology and ultrastructure results should be considered preliminary due to the limited number of samples. Examination of the CP by TEM showed blood vessel congestion and microvilli swelling in the CP, as well as some subpial and periventricular gliosis, but no associations were observed with treatment. There was no evidence of a reduced clearance of b-amyloid in the periventricular, perivascular and subpial regions of the brain in HS animals versus those in normal posture. Immunohistochemical staining of aquaporin 4, showed the localization to the subpial region and ependyma with increased immunoreactivity in the brains of CO2 exposed rats. This work was supported by awards NNX15AW48G to S.Z. Animal tissue and live data was provided under a tissue/data sharing agreement with Dr. Charles Fuller, UC Davis.

S B Zanello↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Gene Expression and Histologic Approach to Study Production and Outflow of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Hindlimb Suspended RATS

INTRODUCTION: The Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is thought to be associated with weightlessness-induced cephalad fluid shift, possibly associated with a chronic elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) during long-duration ISS missions. Changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and cranial compliance might be involved in the ICP increase. It is not known whether CSF production and/or outflow are altered in microgravity, but changes at the molecular and cellular level in the structures that produce and regulate the transcellular and paracellular secretion and reabsorption of CSF may be relevant. In this study, we used the rat hindlimb suspension (HS) model to examine the relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP) and the cellular responses to the prolonged change in body posture elicited specifically in the choroid plexus (CP). This was evaluated by transcriptomics, histopathology and ultrastructure of the CP and arachnoid villi (AV). METHODS: ICP was measured by telemetry. The morphology, ultrastructure, and gene expression profile of the CP was examined using male 9-month-old Long Evans rats subjected to HS for 14 and 90 days. A subset of animals completing 90-day HS returned to normal posture for 14 and 90 additional days of recovery. All HS rats had age-matched cage controls maintained in normal posture. A group of animals was maintained in conditions of 1% CO2 throughout the entire protocol. The rat brains were carefully removed and preserved for various analyses, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemical analysis of specific targets involved in CSF regulation, and RNA sequencing analysis of laser capture micro-dissected CP tissue from the lateral ventricles. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: The ICP record was limited, which impacted any conclusions derived from the results. However, the ICP of rats in the CO2-enriched atmosphere appeared increased compared to those in a normal air composition. HS of rats resulted in an altered transcriptomics profile in the choroid plexus compared to animals maintained at normal posture. This was observed during both the HS period and during normal posture recovery period following 90 days of suspension. The greatest number of differentially expressed genes was observed at 90 days HS. Elevated CO2 also led to a different transcriptomics profile in the CP. The histology and ultrastructure results should be considered preliminary due to the limited number of samples. Examination of the CP by TEM showed blood vessel congestion and microvilli swelling in the CP, as well as some subpial and periventricular gliosis, but no associations were observed with treatment. There was no evidence of a reduced clearance of b-amyloid in the periventricular, perivascular and subpial regions of the brain in HS animals versus those in normal posture. Immunohistochemical staining of aquaporin 4, showed the localization to the subpial region and ependyma with increased immunoreactivity in the brains of CO2 exposed rats. This work was supported by awards NNX15AW48G to S.Z. Animal tissue and live data was provided under a tissue/data sharing agreement with Dr. Charles Fuller, UC Davis.

S B Zanello↗

NASA NTRS2012

Low Biotoxicity of Mars Analog Soils Suggests that the Surface of Mars May be Habitable for Terrestrial Microorganisms

Recent studies on the interactive effects of hypobaria, low temperatures, and CO2-enriched anoxic atmospheres on the growth of 37 species of mesophilic bacteria identified 14 potential biocidal agents that might affect microbial survival and growth on the martian surface. Biocidal or inhibitory factors include (not in priority): (1) solar UV irradiation, (2) low pressure, (3) extreme desiccating conditions, (4) extreme diurnal temperature fluctuations, (5) solar particle events, (6) galactic cosmic rays, (7) UV-glow discharge from blowing dust, (8) solar UV-induced volatile oxidants [e.g., O2(-), O(-), H2O2, O3], (9) globally distributed oxidizing soils, (10) extremely high salts levels [e.g., MgCl2, NaCl, FeSO4, and MgSO4] in surficial soils at some sites on Mars, (11) high concentrations of heavy metals in martian soils, (12) likely acidic conditions in martian fines, (13) high CO2 concentrations in the global atmosphere, and (14) perchlorate-rich soils. Despite these extreme conditions several studies have demonstrated that dormant spores or vegetative cells of terrestrial microorganisms can survive simulated martian conditions as long as they are protected from UV irradiation. What has not been explored in depth are the effects of potential biotoxic geochemical components of the martian regolith on the survival and growth of microorganisms. The primary objectives of the research included: (1) prepare and characterize Mars analog soils amended with potential biotoxic levels of sulfates, salts, acidifying minerals, etc.; and (2) use the simulants to conduct biotoxicity assays to determine if terrestrial microorganisms from spacecraft can survive direct exposure to the analog soils.

Schuerger, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Environmental modification of yield and food composition of cowpea and leaf lettuce

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) are candidate species to provide ligume protein and starch or serve as a salad base for a nutritionally balanced and psychologically satisfying vegetarian diet in the Controlled Ecology Life Support System (CELSS). Various nutritional parameters are reported. Hydroponic leaf lettuce grew best under CO2 enrichment and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) enhancement. Leaf protein content reached 36 percent with NH4(+) + NO3 nutrition; starch and free sugar content was as high as 7 or 8.4 percent of DW, respectively, for high PPF/CO2 enriched environments.

Mitchell, Cary A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Carbon dioxide effects on potato growth under different photoperiods and irradiance

The effects of atmospheric CO2 concentration, photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), and the length of the photoperiod on the tuber yield were investigated for three potato cultivars (Norland, Russet Burbank, and Denali), by growing these cultivars for 90 days in atmospheres containing 350 or 1000 micromol/mol CO2, at photoperiods of 12- or 24-hr, and at PPFs of 400 or 800 micromol/sq m per sec. Air temperatures and relative humidity were kept at 16 C and 70 percent, respectively. It was found that the tuber yield of Denali potatoes showed the greatest increase (21 percent) in response to increased CO2 across all irradiance treatments, while the tuber yields of Russet and Norland were increased 18 and 9 percent, respectively. Greater plant growth from CO2 enrichment was observed under lower PPF and the shorter (12 hr) photoperiod.

Wheeler, Raymond M.↗