Survivability of Amino Acids in Lunar Soil

We present a laboratory investigation on the survivability of amino acids in lunar simulant soil under conditions similar to the lunar surface. Survival rates of various amino acids are quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with AccQ·Tag derivitization and fluorescence detection. Results show that vacuum and hydrogen gas exposure have relatively minor effects on amino acid survivability compared to hydrogen plasma and ultraviolet radiation. After the equivalent of 20 yr of irradiation at the Moon, a small amount (∼4%–7%) of amino acids continues to survive in the soil. This study also highlights the importance of shielding by lunar dust: amino acids buried as little as 8 mm below the surface have a ≳95% survival rate after 2.5 yr of equivalent radiation.