Bengaluru soil bacteria could help build bricks on Mars: Study
The possibility of human settlement on Mars has been a topic of interest for scientists and space enthusiasts for decades. One of the major challenges in establishing a human settlement on the red planet is the construction of structures that can provide shelter and protection from the harsh Martian environment. The cost and logistics of transporting construction materials from Earth to Mars are significant, making it essential to find alternative solutions. A recent study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has found a potential solution to this problem. The study, published in PLOS One, reveals that a soil bacterium discovered in Bengaluru could help build structures on Mars.
The study focused on the use of microbes to bind Martian soil into strong bricks, reducing the need to transport construction materials from Earth. The researchers used a type of soil bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii, which is commonly found in Bengaluru soil. This bacterium has the ability to produce calcite, a natural cement, when it comes into contact with urea and calcium ions. The researchers found that when Sporosarcina pasteurii was added to Martian soil simulant, it was able to bind the soil particles together, creating a strong and stable brick-like structure.
The Martian soil simulant used in the study was designed to mimic the properties of Martian soil, which is known to be rich in perchlorates and other toxic compounds. The researchers found that the Sporosarcina pasteurii bacterium was able to thrive in the Martian soil simulant, producing calcite and binding the soil particles together. The resulting bricks were found to be strong and durable, with a compressive strength of up to 50 MPa, which is comparable to that of regular concrete.
The use of microbes to construct buildings on Mars has several advantages over traditional construction methods. For one, it eliminates the need to transport heavy construction materials from Earth, which is a significant cost and logistical challenge. Additionally, the use of microbes allows for the creation of structures that are tailored to the Martian environment, which is essential for establishing a sustainable human settlement.
The study’s findings have significant implications for future Mars missions. With the ability to construct buildings using local materials and microbes, astronauts will be able to establish a sustainable presence on the Martian surface. This could include the construction of habitats, life support systems, and other essential infrastructure.
The researchers involved in the study are excited about the potential of their findings. “This study demonstrates the potential of using microbes to construct buildings on Mars,” said Shubhanshu Shukla, ISRO astronaut and co-author of the study. “The use of Sporosarcina pasteurii to bind Martian soil into strong bricks is a significant breakthrough, and we believe that it could play a key role in establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars.”
The study’s findings are also relevant to construction on Earth. The use of microbes to produce calcite and bind soil particles together could be used to create sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials. This could include the creation of bricks, concrete, and other building materials that are stronger, more durable, and more sustainable than traditional materials.
In conclusion, the discovery of a soil bacterium in Bengaluru that can help build structures on Mars is a significant breakthrough in the field of space exploration. The use of microbes to construct buildings on Mars has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about space construction, and could play a key role in establishing a sustainable human presence on the red planet. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of microbial construction, we may soon see the creation of sustainable and self-sufficient habitats on Mars and beyond.
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