Closed Ecological Systems (CES) are ecosystems that do not exchange matter with any part outside the system. Although the Earth itself clearly fits this definition, the term is most often used to describe much smaller manmade ecosystems. Such systems are scientifically interesting and can potentially serve as a life support system during space flights, at space stations or in submarines. Perhaps confusingly, a closed ecological system is not a closed system in the usual sense, because energy (especially light and heat) is able to enter and leave the system, provided matter does not.
In a closed ecological system, any waste products produced by one species must be used by at least one other species. If the purpose is to maintain a higher life form, such as a mouse or a human, waste products such as carbon dioxide, faeces and urine must eventually be converted into oxygen, water, and food.
A closed ecological system must contain at least one autotrophic organism. While both chemotrophic and phototrophic organisms are plausible, almost all closed ecological systems to date are based on a phototroph such as green algae.
Such systems are scientifically interesting and can potentially serve as a life support system during space flights, at space stations or in submarines.
Perhaps confusingly, a closedecologicalsystem is not a closedsystem in the usual sense, because energy (especially light and heat) is able to enter and leave the system, provided matter does not.
Biosphere 2 is a manmade closedecologicalsystem in Oracle, Arizona built by Edward P. Bass, Space Biosphere Ventures and others.
It explored the possible use of closed biospheres in space colonization, and also allowed the study and manipulation of a biosphere without harming Earth's.
The papers range from calibrated models that describe the system metabolism, hydrologic balance, and heat and humidity, to papers that describe rainforest, mangrove, ocean, and agronomic system development in this carbon dioxide-rich environment.
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