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Space Station Freedom presents challenges in water contamination and in the preconcentration of trace contaminants for subsequent analysis. Terrestrial methodologies for the trace level determination of mercury, alcohols, and phenols have been evaluated against levels of detection, complexity, and phase separation requirements. Microgravity compatible modifications of standard methods have been developed and tested. A total mercury sensor, employing solid phase sorption of mercury metal from the analyte followed by determination at a gold film electrode, has been breadboarded and shows a minimum level of detection of less than 0.5ppb. The system uses sodium borohydride as a reagent to facilitate mercury reduction and the decomposition of organomercury compounds. Phenols are determined using a modification of the VOC methodology previously described followed by GC/MS analysis; detection levels below 1ppb have been achieved.

In Space Station Freedom, the water supply will be a closed loop system. Humidity condensate from the cabin and waste hygiene water including urine are to be reclaimed for potable and hygiene uses. Close monitoring of the water quality is mandatory to ensure crew health. The 30-year utilization planned for SS Freedom requires careful planning for water processing and monitoring systems. Perkin-Elmer is developing a Water Quality Monitor (WQM) for the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) being developed by the Boeing Aerospace & Electronics Company.* The WQM will monitor impurities in both potable and hygiene water samples.