Crop biomass leaching for nutrient recycling in a CELSS.

Leaching may be employed as a biomass conversion technique to minimize consumption of system resources in a CELSS. This study examined leaching rates and total leachability of Triticum aestivum L. Yecora Rojo residue. Total biomass reduction and phosphate concentration in the leachate were tested as a function of particle size, leaching time of solid, temperature, and sonication versus mechanical agitation. For modeling purposes, phosphate rate constants were determined experimentally via batch testing on 25-mm biomass. Simulation models were written to predict the effect of liquid flow rate on phosphate leaching in concurrent and countercurrent reactors.