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Simple and effective remediation strategies of Martian perchlorates.

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Title: Simple and effective remediation strategies of Martian perchlorates.
Authors: Coker, Harrison R.1 (AUTHOR), Denvir, Aenghus C.1 (AUTHOR), Howe, Julie A.1 (AUTHOR) j-howe@tamu.edu
Source: Soil Science Society of America Journal. Jan/Feb2026, Vol. 90 Issue 1, p1-10. 10p.
Subjects: Thermolysis, Bioremediation, Salts, Soil microbiology, Solubilization, Environmental remediation
Abstract: Martian surface minerals have abundant perchlorate salts existing in both solid and liquid phases that will impair agricultural operations, biological life‐support systems, and in situ resource utilization due to their toxicity. Thus, simple and effective perchlorate remediation strategies will be necessary for the successful use of Martian surface minerals as a plant growth substrate among other uses. The low thermal decomposition, high solubility, reluctant nature to sorb to minerals, and biological metabolism of perchlorate offer attractive solutions for remediation. Using JSC Mars‐1 simulant spiked with varying concentrations (1–10 g kg−1) of magnesium perchlorate, it was found that a 470°C thermal decomposition in a furnace led to near elimination of perchlorate. Additionally, three leaching events at a 1:5 (solid:liquid) ratio followed by distillation of leachate also eliminated magnesium perchlorate from simulated Martian surface minerals and leachate water. For biological perchlorate reduction, a native soil microbiome was bio‐prospected from agricultural fields. A directed evolution of the native soil microbiome proved successful in increasing perchlorate reduction rates from 35% to 52%. The directed evolution microbiome was compared to pure cultures of six bacteria and one fungus known to be capable of perchlorate reduction, with the directed evolution microbiome having similar perchlorate reduction rates to the pure cultures. Overall, the thermal decomposition and leaching with distillation approaches were considered low technology, highly effective options to remediate perchlorate from Martian surface minerals, although their energy inputs and alteration of soils may be undesirable in certain circumstances. Core Ideas: Martian surface minerals contain a high abundance of perchlorate salts (1.5–5 g kg−1) that require remediation to be suitable for agriculturePerchlorate remediation should be simple and effective, additionally offering oxygen extractionThermal degradation and leaching followed by distillation proved to be highly effective at removing perchloratesMicrobial reduction was feasible, but it did not demonstrate acceptable repeatability in evolved soil communities or pure microbial cultures Plain Language Summary: Martian soils contain perchlorate salts that are toxic to plants, people, and life‐support systems, making them a major obstacle for future settlement and resource use. Several methods to remove perchlorates from Mars‐like soil were tested. Heating the soil to 470°C nearly eliminated perchlorates, while repeated leaching of the simulant followed by distillation of the leachate also proved highly effective. A native soil microbiome from Earth was sourced to break down perchlorates, and its activity improved over time through directed evolution, though it stopped before fully removing all perchlorate. Overall, thermal treatment and leaching with distillation appear to be simple and reliable strategies for perchlorate cleanup, though they require energy and may influence soil properties. The experimental findings provide practical options for making Martian soils safer for growing crops and supporting human habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:Martian surface minerals have abundant perchlorate salts existing in both solid and liquid phases that will impair agricultural operations, biological life‐support systems, and in situ resource utilization due to their toxicity. Thus, simple and effective perchlorate remediation strategies will be necessary for the successful use of Martian surface minerals as a plant growth substrate among other uses. The low thermal decomposition, high solubility, reluctant nature to sorb to minerals, and biological metabolism of perchlorate offer attractive solutions for remediation. Using JSC Mars‐1 simulant spiked with varying concentrations (1–10 g kg−1) of magnesium perchlorate, it was found that a 470°C thermal decomposition in a furnace led to near elimination of perchlorate. Additionally, three leaching events at a 1:5 (solid:liquid) ratio followed by distillation of leachate also eliminated magnesium perchlorate from simulated Martian surface minerals and leachate water. For biological perchlorate reduction, a native soil microbiome was bio‐prospected from agricultural fields. A directed evolution of the native soil microbiome proved successful in increasing perchlorate reduction rates from 35% to 52%. The directed evolution microbiome was compared to pure cultures of six bacteria and one fungus known to be capable of perchlorate reduction, with the directed evolution microbiome having similar perchlorate reduction rates to the pure cultures. Overall, the thermal decomposition and leaching with distillation approaches were considered low technology, highly effective options to remediate perchlorate from Martian surface minerals, although their energy inputs and alteration of soils may be undesirable in certain circumstances. Core Ideas: Martian surface minerals contain a high abundance of perchlorate salts (1.5–5 g kg−1) that require remediation to be suitable for agriculturePerchlorate remediation should be simple and effective, additionally offering oxygen extractionThermal degradation and leaching followed by distillation proved to be highly effective at removing perchloratesMicrobial reduction was feasible, but it did not demonstrate acceptable repeatability in evolved soil communities or pure microbial cultures Plain Language Summary: Martian soils contain perchlorate salts that are toxic to plants, people, and life‐support systems, making them a major obstacle for future settlement and resource use. Several methods to remove perchlorates from Mars‐like soil were tested. Heating the soil to 470°C nearly eliminated perchlorates, while repeated leaching of the simulant followed by distillation of the leachate also proved highly effective. A native soil microbiome from Earth was sourced to break down perchlorates, and its activity improved over time through directed evolution, though it stopped before fully removing all perchlorate. Overall, thermal treatment and leaching with distillation appear to be simple and reliable strategies for perchlorate cleanup, though they require energy and may influence soil properties. The experimental findings provide practical options for making Martian soils safer for growing crops and supporting human habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03615995
DOI:10.1002/saj2.70201