Chemical disinfection under conditions of microgravity

There is enormous potential for point-of-use water purifiers where central water treatment does not exist or distribution systems are faulty and allow incursion of pathogenic organisms after primary treatment. Manned space missions on the Space Shuttle and planned missions on the Space Station also employ point-of-use water purifiers termed microbial check valves (MCVs). Polyiodide resin materials in use on the Space Shuttle within the MCV and in terrestrial water purifiers, silver and copper chelex resins, zirconium peroxide chelex resin, and a quaternary ammonium compound-Dow Coming 5700-polymerized to carbon and polystyrene beads, were compared for disinfection ability. Experiments were conducted in fluid processing apparatus (FPAs) at unit gravity and in microgravity conditions aboard seven STS missions. These new materials may have applications in both space and terrestrial water treatment devices.