On the influence of the trace element composition of regoliths on the labor safety of astronauts on the Moon

Abstract

Introduction. The problem of using near-Earth space to meet various human needs, including the development of minerals, especially on the Moon, is becoming relevant, which increases the importance of research on occupational safety in these conditions. The study aims to research the trace element composition of regoliths in comparison with terrestrial rocks and its significance for the safety of astronauts on the lunar surface. Materials and methods. The researchers evaluated the trace element composition of the regolith by calculating the concentration coefficients and the quality drop coefficient. When identifying homogeneous classes of regoliths by concentrations of 38 chemical elements, we used computer technology to classify multidimensional observations under conditions of self-organization. Results. We know that the concentrations of many trace elements in regoliths significantly exceed their concentrations in terrestrial soils. Calculated for the Luna-16 and Luna-24 marine regoliths, as well as for Apollo-11 and Apollo-12, the quality reduction coefficient varies from 27 to 100, which corresponds to the "crisis" category. This indicates that the content of trace elements in the regolith ranges from weekly critical (27 for the Luna-16 regolith) to highly critical (100 for the Apollo-12 regolith). The researchers identified trace elements whose concentrations in lunar regoliths significantly exceed their concentrations in terrestrial soils: Cr, Be, Co, Sc, Ho, Se, Ni, Au, Ag, Er, Tm, Y, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy Yb, Lu, Cd, Zr, Sr, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu. Trace trace elements are included in the group of substances with allergenic, fibrogenic and carcinogenic effects and can have a negative impact on the health of future lunar colonists. Limitations. The authors have conducted the study for the composition of regolith on the surface of the Moon and did not cover aspects of human protection from lunar dust by space stations, structures, spacesuits and special equipment. Conclusion. When assessing the impact of environmental factors on the safety of astronauts during the colonization of the Moon, attention should be paid to the toxicological aspects of working conditions, in particular the trace element composition of regoliths and lunar dust.