Perchlorate salts are found in the Martian regolith covering the surface of Mars at a concentration of up to 1%. Perchlorate is a highly oxidising compound used in rocket fuels and munitions. It is dangerous and toxic to humans. Current disposal methods are via expensive bioreactors, or contained explosions. So, if humans are to colonise Mars, we will have to remove the perchlorates from the soil in order to have a chance of developing agriculture for our survival. Exeter University 2018 iGEM Team are developing a bioreactor that will remove perchlorate salts from soil, and dispose of waste perchlorate in a cheap, safe manner, by using genetically engineered bacteria with (per)chlorate and chlorite reducing enzymes.

To assist their project, we have recorded the affects of perchlorate on the growth of our free-living nitrogen fixing, soil bacteria. This has helped show the importance of their project in aiding the development of agricultural methods on Mars, as well as disposing of perchlorate in a safe, contained way so as not to harm the environment and affect soil ecosystems.

The United Nations estimates global population has increased by 1 billion over 12 years and will near 9.8 billion by 2050 [4]. This increase has meant social demand has also grown at an unparalleled rate. However, a more pressing issues is that of food security. Food security is defined as one’s ability to have adequate access to sufficient food. Said food must be safe and nutritious as for an individual to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

The United Nations estimates global population has increased by 1 billion over 12 years and will near 9.8 billion by 2050 [4]. This increase has meant social demand has also grown at an unparalleled rate. However, a more pressing issues is that of food security. Food security is defined as one’s ability to have adequate access to sufficient food. Said food must be safe and nutritious as for an individual to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.