Publication Date

Summer 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

Advisor

Bradley Stone; Annalise Van Wyngarden; Andro Rios

Abstract

Particulate matter in the atmosphere is a known detriment to human health, but several factors affect any particulate’s particular toxicity including particle size, surface area, and chemical composition. Extensive studies have been conducted to examine particulate hazards on Earth, but in crewed spacecraft, like the International Space Station (ISS), the particulate environment is wholly unique due to both the controlled environment and lack of gravity. Atmospheric sampling studies are underway, but another convenient source of airborne particulates for analysis is the contents of the vacuum bags used by the astronauts to clean the air vents. However, no method currently exists to isolate the respirable portion for further study. The goal of this study is therefore twofold: separate the respirable PM10 and PM2.5 particulates from an ISS vacuum bag and analyze their surface to determine potential toxicity. A repeatable separation method was developed and refined using a simulant of house dust collected from a home vacuum. Respirable particulate yield from separation of simulant samples was significant, but several differences were observed between the simulant and ISS particulates. Specific surface area analysis of the isolated particulates was pursued. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy provided particle morphology and relative elemental composition for both simulant and ISS samples to determine potential toxicity. Several lessons learned and paths forward for improved separation and analysis are discussed.

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