Biological pre-treatment of a space based waste stream to improve distillation treatment efficiency

A series of two membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABR's) and a rotary distillation unit treated a space habitation waste stream. The waste stream is composed of a hygiene ersatz solution (to simulate the wastewater produced from hygiene events in space) and urine. The waste stream is fed through the MABR's with a retention time of approximately 12 days. The waste is rich in carbon and nitrogen (mainly from the urine) and also has a sustainable amount of nutrients for the microorganisms to provide efficient carbon and nitrogen removal. The MABR's achieved approximately 85% carbon removal, and 60% nitrogen conversion. The effluent stream from the MABR's is then processed through a rotary distillation unit, which provides further treatment of the waste stream. The distillation unit is efficient in removing approximately 90% of carbon, nitrogen, suspended solids, and ammonia from the MABR's effluent. The distillate produced from this process then could be mixed with other less concentrated waste streams in the system and then be theoretically reintroduced in the space habitation system for potable reuse upon disinfection.