Honors Theses

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Completion

Fall 12-3-2025

Academic Year

2025-2026

Department

Biology

Academic Major

Biology

Faculty Advisor

Rebekah Rampey, Ph.D.

Abstract

In addition to sunlight and water, plants can utilize a small number of nutrients from the soil to biosynthesize all the materials that are needed for growth and development. However, plants require an environment where they are able to obtain those nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and nitrogen. Environmental factors determine the types and accessibility of nutrients available to plants. Plants then take up these nutrients from the soil to aid in biological mechanisms and the synthesis of important molecules needed for growth and development. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital molecule that is synthesized in plants. Within plant species, it aids in photosynthesis and plant growth. In humans and many animal species, ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect against various diseases, such as scurvy. This project looks at the suitability of a variety of plant species known for their high Vitamin C content to thrive in Martian regolith, aiming to ascertain their viability as potential food sources for Martian astronauts. Martian regolith is the loose outer layer of the planet’s surface and contains mostly mineral matter. To address this question, seeds from a variety of species were planted in simulated Martian regolith and compared to seeds planted in potting soil. Growth rate, plant heights, and ascorbic acid concentration were assessed. Of these species, Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) was shown to have high potential as a plant that grows well in Martian regolith. Ascorbic acid concentration measurements from Romaine lettuce grown in potting soil (Miracle-Gro Potting Soil) vs. Martian regolith (MMS-2) were carried out using UV Spectroscopy at 266 nm. Results suggest that Martian regolith is capable of supporting healthy plant growth while producing just as high ascorbic acid concentrations as plants grown in potting soil. While further research is needed to account for external environmental factors beyond soil composition, these results suggest that Martian regolith shows promise for supporting crop production in future human missions to Mars.

Download

Share

COinS