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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Flame Retardant Epoxy Resins

As part of a program to develop fire resistant exterior composite structures for future subsonic commercial aircraft, flame retardant epoxy resins are under investigation. Epoxies and their curing agents (aromatic diamines) containing phosphorus were synthesized and used to prepare epoxy formulations. Phosphorus was incorporated within the backbone of the epoxy resin and not used as an additive. The resulting cured epoxies were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, propane torch test, elemental analysis and microscale combustion calorimetry. Several formulations showed excellent flame retardation with phosphorous contents as low as 1.5% by weight. The fracture toughness of plaques of several cured formulations was determined on single-edge notched bend specimens. The chemistry and properties of these new epoxy formulations are discussed.

Thompson, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Recovery of resources for advanced life support space applications: effect of retention time on biodegradation of two crop residues in a fed-batch, continuous stirred tank reactor

Bioreactor retention time is a key process variable that will influence costs that are relevant to long distance space travel or long duration space habitation. However. little is known about the effects of this parameter on the microbiological treatment options that are being proposed for Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems. Two bioreactor studies were designed to examine this variable. In the first one, six retention times ranging from 1.3 to 21.3 days--were run in duplicate, 81 working-volume continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) that were fed ALS wheat residues. Ash-free dry weight loss, carbon mineralization, soluble TOC reduction, changes in fiber content (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), bacterial numbers, and mineral recoveries were monitored. At short retention times--1.33 days--biodegradation was poor (total: 16-20%, cellulose - 12%, hemicellulose - 28%) but soluble TOC was decreased by 75-80% and recovery of major crop inorganic nutrients was adequate, except for phosphorus. A high proportion of the total bacteria (ca. 83%) was actively respiring. At the longest retention time tested, 21.3 days, biodegradation was good (total: 55-60%, cellulose ca. 70%, hemicellulose - ca. 55%) and soluble TOC was decreased by 80%. Recovery of major nutrients, except phosphorus, remained adequate. A very low proportion of total bacteria was actively respiring (ca. 16%). The second bioreactor study used potato residue to determine if even shorter retention times could be used (range 0.25-2.0 days). Although overall biodegradation deteriorated, the degradation of soluble TOC continued to be ca. 75%. We conclude that if the goal of ALS bioprocessing is maximal degradation of crop residues, including cellulose, then retention times of 10 days or longer will be needed. If the goal is to provide inorganic nutrients with the smallest volume/weight bioreactor possible, then a retention time of 1 day (or less) is sufficient.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1993

Skeletal unloading decreases production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D

The plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] decreases during skeletal unloading and increases when normal weight bearing is restored. To determine whether these changes in plasma 1,25(OH)2D reflect changes in production, metabolic clearance, or both we measured the kinetics of 1,25(OH)2D metabolism in rats whose skeletons were normally loaded, unloaded, or reloaded after a period of nonweight bearing. Skeletal unloading produced a transient but striking fall in the production (-73%) and plasma concentration (-72%) of 1,25(OH)2D without having a significant effect (< 20%) on metabolic clearance. Skeletal reloading returned production to normal. Bone formation predictably decreased during unloading and returned to normal after return to weight bearing. No consistent changes in blood ionized calcium, plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (irPTH), or plasma phosphorus occurred. These data suggest that the changes in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D associated with changes in skeletal weight bearing primarily reflect changes in 1,25(OH)2D production. The data provide no evidence that the changes in 1,25(OH)2D production are a consequence of changes in blood ionized calcium, plasma irPTH, or phosphorus.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2010

Thermal Properties of Lunar Regolith Simulants

Various high temperature chemical processes have been developed to extract oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. These processes are tested using terrestrial analogues of the regolith. But all practical terrestrial analogs contain H2O and/or OH(-), the presence of which has substantial impact on important system behaviors. We have undertaken studies of lunar regolith simulants to determine the limits of the simulants to validate key components for human survivability during sustained presence on the moon. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) yields information on phase transitions and melting temperatures. Themo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) with mass spectrometric (MS) determination of evolved gas species yields chemical information on various oxygenated volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides) and their evolution temperature profiles. The DTA and TGAMS studies included JSC-1A fine, NU-LHT-2M and its proposed feed stocks: anorthosite; dunite; HQ (high quality) glass and the norite from which HQ glass is produced. Fig 1 is a data profile for anorthosite. The DTA (Fig 1a) indicates exothermic transitions at 355 and 490 C and endothermic transitions at 970 and 1235 C. Below the 355 C transition, water (Molecular Weight, MW, 18 in Fig 1c) is lost accounting for approximately 0.1% mass loss due to water removal (Fig 1b). Just above 490 C a second type of water is lost, presumably bound in lattices of secondary minerals. Between 490 and the 970 transition other volatile oxides are lost including those of hydrogen (third water type), carbon (MW = 44), sulfur (MW = 64 and 80), nitrogen (MW 30 and 46) and possibly phosphorus (MW = 79, 95 or 142). Peaks at MW = 35 and 19 may be attributable to loss of chlorine and fluorine respectively. Negative peaks in the NO (MW = 30) and oxygen (MW = 32) MS profiles may indicate the production of NO2 (MW = 46). Because so many compounds are volatilized in this temperature range quantification of the mass loss associated with individual species is difficult. Similar information will be presented for the other materials studied in this investigation.

Street, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS2010

Thermal Properties of Lunar Regolith Simulants

Various high temperature chemical processes have been developed to extract oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. These processes are tested using terrestrial analogues of the regolith. But all practical terrestrial analogs contain H2O and/or OH-, the presence of which has substantial impact on important system behaviors. We have undertaken studies of lunar regolith simulants to determine the limits of the simulants to validate key components for human survivability during sustained presence on the moon. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) yields information on phase transitions and melting temperatures. Themo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) with mass spectrometric (MS) determination of evolved gas species yields chemical information on various oxygenated volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides) and their evolution temperature profiles. The DTA and TGAMS studies included JSC-1A fine, NU-LHT-2M and its proposed feed stocks: anorthosite; dunite; HQ (high quality) glass and the norite from which HQ glass is produced. Fig 1 is a data profile for anorthosite. The DTA (Fig 1a) indicates exothermic transitions at 355 and 490 C and endothermic transitions at 970 and 1235 C. Below the 355 C transition, water (Molecular Weight, MW, 18 in Fig 1c) is lost accounting for approximately 0.1% mass loss due to water removal (Fig 1b). Just above 490 C a second type of water is lost, presumably bound in lattices of secondary minerals. Between 490 and the 970 transition other volatile oxides are lost including those of hydrogen (third water type), carbon (MW = 44), sulfur (MW = 64 and 80), nitrogen (MW 30 and 46) and possibly phosphorus (MW = 79, 95 or 142). Peaks at MW = 35 and 19 may be attributable to loss of chlorine and fluorine respectively. Negative peaks in the NO (MW = 30) and oxygen (MW = 32) MS profiles may indicate the production of NO2 (MW = 46). Because so many compounds are volatilized in this temperature range quantification of the mass loss associated with individual species is difficult. Similar information will be presented for the other materials studied in this investigation.

Street, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS2015

Recognizing Sulfate and Phosphate Complexes Adsorbed onto Nanophase Weathering Products on Mars

Nanophase weathering products (i.e., secondary phases that lack long-range atomic order) have been recognized on the martian surface via orbital observations and in-situ measurements from landed missions. Allophane, a poorly crystalline, hydrated aluminosilicate, has been identified at the regional scale in models of thermal-infrared (TIR) data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and at the local scale from visible/near-IR (VNIR) data from the Compact Reconnaissance Impact Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument and phase calculations of Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) data of rocks encountered by the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) Spirit and Opportunity. Nanophase iron oxides (npOx) have been recognized in rocks and soils measured by the Mössbauer Spectrometer on Spirit and Opportunity. Furthermore, analyses of X-ray diffraction data measured by the CheMin instrument onboard the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity indicate rock and soil samples are comprised of approx. 20-50 wt.% X-ray amorphous materials. Chemical measurements by landed missions indicate the presence of sulfur and phosphorus in martian rocks in soils, and APXS data from Gusev crater demonstrate abundances of up to approx. 5 wt.% P2O5 and approx. 30 wt.% SO3. However, the speciation of phosphorus and sulfur is not always evident. On Earth, phosphate and sulfate anions can be chemisorbed onto the surfaces of nanophase weathering products. This process may also occur on Mars, and calculations of the composition of the amorphous component at Gale crater using CheMin mineral models and APXS data show that amorphous material is enriched in volatiles, including S. Here, we examine the ability to detect chemisorbed sulfate and phosphate complexes by analyzing sulfate- and phosphate-adsorbed nanophase weathering products using instruments similar to those on landed and orbital missions.

Rampe, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS2013

A Habitable Fluvio-Lacustrine Environment at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars

The Curiosity rover discovered fine-grained sedimentary rocks, which are inferred to represent an ancient lake and preserve evidence of an environment that would have been suited to support a martian biosphere founded on chemolithoautotrophy. This aqueous environment was characterized by neutral pH, low salinity, and variable redox states of both iron and sulfur species. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus were measured directly as key biogenic elements; by inference, phosphorus is assumed to have been available. The environment probably had a minimum duration of hundreds to tens of thousands of years. These results highlight the biological viability of fluvial-lacustrine environments in the post-Noachian history of Mars.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2015

Characterization of the Temporal-Spatial Variability of Trans-Atlantic Dust Transport Based on CALIPSO Lidar Measurements

The trans-Atlantic dust transport has important implications for human and ecosystem health, the terrestrial and oceanic biogeochemical cycle, weather systems, and climate. A reliable assessment of these influences requires the characterization of dust distributions in three dimensions and over long time periods. We provide an observation-based multiyear estimate of trans-Atlantic dust transport by using a 7-year (2007 - 2013) lidar record from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) in both cloud-free and above-cloud conditions. We estimate that on a basis of the 7-year average and integration over 10S - 30N, 182 Tg a-1 dust leaves the coast of North Africa at 15W, of which 132 Tg a-1 and 43 Tg a-1 reaches 35W and 75W, respectively. These flux estimates have an overall known uncertainty of (45 - 70). The 7-year average of dust deposition into the Amazon Basin is estimated to be 28 (8 - 48) Tg a-1 or 29 (8 - 50) kg ha-1 a-1. This imported dust could provide about 0.022 (0.006 - 0.037) Tg P of phosphorus per year, equivalent to 23 (7 - 39) g P ha-1 a-1 to fertilize the Amazon rainforest, which is comparable to the loss of phosphorus to rainfall. Significant seasonal variations are observed in both the magnitude of total dust transport and its meridional and vertical distributions. The observed large interannual variability of annual dust transport is highly anti-correlated with the prior-year Sahel Precipitation Index. Comparisons of CALIPSO measurements with surface-based observations and model simulations will also be discussed.

Transport↗
NASA NTRS2021

Follow-up Water Quality Analysis at the Little Patuxent River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland andImpact to the Health of the Chesapeake Bay

In accordance with the federal Clean Water Act, it is of utmost importance to identify impaired water bodies and subsequently implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) as needed to achieve desirable water quality standards. One of these water bodies include the Little Patuxent River (LPR) in the Anne Arundel and Howard Counties in Maryland, which is the subject of this report. In the 1996, 1998, and then 2006 Maryland Integrated Report, the LPR was found to be impaired by nutrients, bacteria, suspended sediments, and cadmium (Cd). As a result, TMDLs were created to limit factors that were contributing to these problems (Maryland Department of the Environment 2011, December). But later in 2008 and 2009, water quality analyses (WQAs) found that the LPR’s condition had improved. From a Category 5 Cd and phosphorus classification in 1996 it was reduced to Category 2 in 2008 for Cd and in 2009 for phosphorus (Maryland Department of the Environment 2011, December). However, it has been more than a decade since the last WQA and the environmental conditions may have changed. This lack of testing could result in untracked, accumulated damages to the overall health of the LPR. We present testing results for the 13 site locations on the LPR to evaluate turbidity, pH, phosphates, nitrates, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (D.O.), coliform bacteria, and cadmium concentrations in sediments. We will also present next steps including remediation strategies.

Aaban Syed↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Supercool(ed) Olivine Morphology in Shergottites Revealed Using X-ray Computed Tomography

Shergottites comprise most of the Martian meteorites and have a mafic to ultramafic bulk composition and a diversity of igneous textures [1].Olivine-phyric and poikilitic shergottites are sub-classes of shergottites and characterized by having a crystal cargo of large mafic minerals. Olivine-phyric shergottites have porphyritic textures of large olivinemegacrysts set in a fine-grained groundmass of pyroxene and maskelynite [2]. The poikilitic shergottites have assemblages of olivine chadocrysts poikilitically-enclosed by cm-sized pyroxene oikocrysts set in a coarse-grained groundmass of olivine and maskelynite [3,4]. The large crystal cargos in these samples are some of the first minerals to crystallize from their respective parent melts and have been extensively studied to understand shergottite petrogenesis. For instance, compositions of early-formed olivine and pyroxene in equilibrium with other phases (e.g. spinels) are used to establish depths, temperatures, and redox conditions of crystallization. There is increasing agreement that olivine megacrysts and poikilitic assemblages formed at or near the crust – mantle boundary (~85 km) before entrainment, ascent, and complete crystallization at or near the surface [1,3,4,6,7,8,9]. Additionally, linear olivine megacryst crystal size distribution (CSD)patterns and observations of polyhedral morphologies[8,9,10] are commonly interpreted to reflect steady-state crystallization under equilibrium conditions. However, oscillatory phosphorus zonation patterns in olivine from many samples indicate fluctuations in growth rates[10,12]. Recent studies measuring dendritic phosphorus zonation in terrestrial olivines [13] and experimental studies measuring how undercooling (undercooling is defined as the liquidus temperature minus the temperature being considered) controls changes in olivine morphology [14] have questioned the canonical view that large olivine megacrysts grow slowly and concentrically under equilibrium conditions. Here we present X-ray CT results from olivine-phyric and poikilitic shergottites that challenge the notion that early-formed minerals grew slowly under equilibrium conditions.

S A Eckley↗
DOE OSTI2020

Examination of Solvent- Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Interactions using 2D NMR and Computational Chemistry

Rare earth metals (REMs) are the key functioning material found in microelectronics, advanced batteries, and high-efficiency electrical motors. Current methods for producing REMs require high temperatures (i.e. energy intensive) and produce an abundance of hazardous fluoride waste. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are an ideal alternative electrolyte because they allow for a low-temperature, energy-efficient electrochemical process. RTIL properties such as viscosity and conductivity determine how effective they can be in this process. Since viscosity is directly related to both intra and intermolecular forces, this study sets out to investigate two RTILs-Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium dicyanamide (Cyphos 105) and Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bistrifimide (Cyphos 109) and their interactions. Results from 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy show that there is an interaction between the tetradecyl tail and the phosphorus atom of the Cyphos RTIL. In order to establish whether this is an intra or an inter-molecular interaction, DFT-based computational calculations were performed to determine the optimized geometry. Calculations were done both in the gas phase and with propylene carbonate as an augmenting solvent. Preliminary results show that there is minimal intramolecular interaction between the tetradecyl tail and the phosphorus atom of the RTILs, and that the interaction seen in the 2D NMR experiment is likely of an intermolecular nature instead.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Methods of preserving a nuclear fuel element

A method of preserving a nuclear fuel includes exposing a surface of a fuel element comprising aluminum to a phosphorus-containing acid and reacting the phosphorus-containing acid with the aluminum to form aluminum phosphate (AlPO4). A nuclear fuel element includes a nuclear fuel and a shell surrounding the nuclear fuel. The shell comprises aluminum phosphate.

Rezvoi, Aleksey↗
DOE OSTI2022

Methods for making bifunctional porous non-noble metal phosphide catalyst for overall water splitting, electrodes for overall water splitting, and methods for electrocatalytic water splitting

A method of manufacturing a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting comprising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by growing electrocatalyst comprising primarily metallic phosphides on a three-dimensional substrate by: immersing the substrate in an iron nitrate solution to form a once disposed substrate; subjecting the once disposed substrate to thermal phosphidation with phosphorus powder under inert gas to grow metal phosphides thereupon and form a once subjected substrate; cooling the once subjected substrate to form a cooled, once subjected substrate; immersing the cooled, once subjected substrate in an iron nitrate solution to form a twice disposed substrate; and subjecting the twice disposed substrate to thermal phosphidation with phosphorus powder under inert gas to provide an electrode comprising the bifunctional electrocatalyst on the three-dimensional substrate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Supplemental Defatted Microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica Affected Apparent Retention and Ileal Digestibility of Nutrients in a Corn-Soybean Meal Based Diet for Broiler Chickens

Objective: This study was to assess impacts of including 10% defatted microalgae (Nannochloropsis oceanica, 45% crude protein and 3.8% ether extract) into a corn-soybean meal basal diet for broiler chickens on apparent retention and ileal digestibility of nutrients. Procedures: Day-old hatchling Cornish Giant cockerels were divided into two groups (6 cages/group, 6 chicks/cage) and fed either the basal (control) or the microalgae-supplemented (microalgae) diet for 6 weeks. Starting week 3, the two experimental diets were mixed with 0.2% chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. Total excreta of individual cages were collected daily for 3 consecutive days during week 6. At the end of week 6, chicks were euthanized to collect ileal digesta from 1 chick/cage. Energy and concentrations of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, minerals, and amino acids in digesta, excreta, and diets were assayed. Apparent retentions and ileal digestibilities were calculated using the direct collection and indirect indicator methods. Data were analyzed by the Student’s t-test and the significant level of difference was at p < 0.05. Results: The microalgae diet had elevated (4.2% and 8.1% by the two methods, p < 0.05) apparent retention of ether extract, but similar apparent retention and ileal digestibility of dry matter and apparent metabolizable energy, compared with the control diet. Supplemental defatted microalgae decreased (p < 0.05) the apparent retention and ileal digestibility of dietary crude protein by 13% and 13%. The supplementation also decreased (p < 0.05) ileal digestibilities and apparent retentions of multiple amino acids ranging from 0.6% to 26%. Apparent retentions of sodium and total phosphorus were decreased (p < 0.05) by 13% and 71%, respectively, by the microalgae inclusion compared with the control. Conclusion: The inclusion of 10% defatted N. oceanica in the corn-soybean meal basal diet for broiler chickens led moderate increases in apparent retention and ileal digestibility of ether extract, but decreased those of crude protein, amino acids, sodium, and phosphorus.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

N and P constrain C in ecosystems under climate change: Role of nutrient redistribution, accumulation, and stoichiometry

Abstract We use the Multiple Element Limitation (MEL) model to examine responses of 12 ecosystems to elevated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), warming, and 20% decreases or increases in precipitation. Ecosystems respond synergistically to elevated CO 2 , warming, and decreased precipitation combined because higher water‐use efficiency with elevated CO 2 and higher fertility with warming compensate for responses to drought. Response to elevated CO 2 , warming, and increased precipitation combined is additive. We analyze changes in ecosystem carbon (C) based on four nitrogen (N) and four phosphorus (P) attribution factors: (1) changes in total ecosystem N and P, (2) changes in N and P distribution between vegetation and soil, (3) changes in vegetation C:N and C:P ratios, and (4) changes in soil C:N and C:P ratios. In the combined CO 2 and climate change simulations, all ecosystems gain C. The contributions of these four attribution factors to changes in ecosystem C storage varies among ecosystems because of differences in the initial distributions of N and P between vegetation and soil and the openness of the ecosystem N and P cycles. The net transfer of N and P from soil to vegetation dominates the C response of forests. For tundra and grasslands, the C gain is also associated with increased soil C:N and C:P. In ecosystems with symbiotic N fixation, C gains resulted from N accumulation. Because of differences in N versus P cycle openness and the distribution of organic matter between vegetation and soil, changes in the N and P attribution factors do not always parallel one another. Differences among ecosystems in C‐nutrient interactions and the amount of woody biomass interact to shape ecosystem C sequestration under simulated global change. We suggest that future studies quantify the openness of the N and P cycles and changes in the distribution of C, N, and P among ecosystem components, which currently limit understanding of nutrient effects on C sequestration and responses to elevated CO 2 and climate change.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Li interaction-induced phase transition from black to blue phosphorene

A comprehensive first-principle calculation has been carried out and revealed that at sufficiently high Li concentration and certain well-defined configurations a phase transition from black to blue phosphorene can take place. Blue phosphorene, a newly predicted allotrope of phosphorus, possesses unique crystalline and electronic structure and is a promising candidate, not only for fundamental research but also for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Methods to growth high quality blue phosphorene layers are highly desirable but challenging. Here, a novel kinetic pathway to grow blue phosphorene layers from black phosphorene layers via Li intercalation is proposed based on first principle study. This study pointed out that Li atoms intercalated in black phosphorene could act as ‘catalyst’ in the ‘reactive region’ of the lone pair of P atoms, leading to a P-P bond breaking and subsequently, a local structural transformation from orthorhombic lattice to an assembly of parallel narrow nanoribbons with rhombohedra-like symmetry. During Li deintercalation, these nanoribbons are self-mended and form blue phosphorene layers. The interlayer distance was found 4.60 Å for double layer with AA stacking and 4.13 Å for multilayer with ABC stacking, respectively, indicating a monolayer blue phosphorene can be mechanically exfoliated. Furthermore, this study also points out the possibility of new phases in other systems, where intercalation can lead to an unexpected structural phase transition and even a discovery of novel materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental and theoretical investigations of rotating algae biofilm reactors (RABRs): Areal productivity, nutrient recovery, and energy efficiency

Microalgae biofilms have been demonstrated to recover nutrients from wastewater and serve as biomass feedstock for bioproducts. However, there is a need to develop a platform to quantitatively describe microalgae biofilm production, which can provide guidance and insights for improving biomass areal productivity and nutrient uptake efficiency. Here, this paper proposes a unified experimental and theoretical framework to investigate algae biofilm growth on a rotating algae biofilm reactor (RABR). Experimental laboratory setups are used to conduct controlled experiments on testing environmental and operational factors for RABRs. We propose a differential–integral equation‐based mathematical model for microalgae biofilm cultivation guided by laboratory experimental findings. The predictive mathematical model development is coordinated with laboratory experiments of biofilm areal productivity associated with ammonia and inorganic phosphorus uptake by RABRs. The unified experimental and theoretical tool is used to investigate the effects of RABR rotating velocity, duty cycle (DC), and light intensity on algae biofilm growth, areal productivity, nutrient uptake efficiency, and energy efficiency in wastewater treatment. Our framework indicates that maintaining a reasonable light intensity range improves biomass areal productivity and nutrient uptake efficiency. Our framework also indicates that faster RABR rotation benefits biomass areal productivity. However, maximizing the nutrient uptake efficiency requires a reasonably low RABR rotating speed. Energy efficiency is strongly correlated with RABR rotating speed and DC.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Stronger fertilization effects on aboveground versus belowground plant properties across nine U.S. grasslands

Abstract Increased nutrient inputs due to anthropogenic activity are expected to increase primary productivity across terrestrial ecosystems, but changes in allocation aboveground versus belowground with nutrient addition have different implications for soil carbon (C) storage. Thus, given that roots are major contributors to soil C storage, understanding belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) and biomass responses to changes in nutrient availability is essential to predicting carbon–climate feedbacks in the context of interacting global environmental changes. To address this knowledge gap, we tested whether a decade of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization consistently influenced aboveground and belowground biomass and productivity at nine grassland sites spanning a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions in the continental United States. Fertilization effects were strong aboveground, with both N and P addition stimulating aboveground biomass at nearly all sites (by 30% and 36%, respectively, on average). P addition consistently increased root production (by 15% on average), whereas other belowground responses to fertilization were more variable, ranging from positive to negative across sites. Site‐specific responses to P were not predicted by the measured covariates. Atmospheric N deposition mediated the effect of N fertilization on root biomass and turnover. Specifically, atmospheric N deposition was positively correlated with root turnover rates, and this relationship was amplified with N addition. Nitrogen addition increased root biomass at sites with low N deposition but decreased it at sites with high N deposition. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of nutrient supply on belowground plant properties are context dependent, particularly with regard to background N supply rates, demonstrating that site conditions must be considered when predicting how grassland ecosystems will respond to increased nutrient loading from anthropogenic activity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗