The Characterization of Organic Contaminants during the Development of the Space Station Water Reclamation and Management System

Chemical analyses of water samples from Space Station Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) testing have resulted in the detection of many different organic compounds. The complexity of the ECLSS sample matrices requires multiple analytical schemes for sample preparation/cleanup and instrumental analyses to enhance characterization. Examples of the application of a variety of techniques for characterizing samples for fatty acids, alcohols, detergents, and volatile/semivolatile basic, neutral, and phenolic acid contaminants are presented. Data, applications, and interpretations are illustrated for a variety of techniques including sample preparation/cleanup techniques, ion chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, electron impact/chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography with a variety of detectors. Summaries of the major organic contaminants contributing to the total organic carbon content are presented.