Abstract: A method for establishing a hydrological cycle in a closed ecological system is disclosed. The hydrological cycle results in the establishment of a variety of different micro-environments which simulate micro-environments of Earth. The hydrological cycle further results in the establishment of a symbiotic interrelation of organisms in that are established within the different micro-environments, where the wastes generated by organisms of one micro-environment are removed by organisms of a second environment and are used as nutrients. This biological purification of the water maintains the purity and functionality of the water for continual use within the closed ecological system.

Abstract: An air scrubber is described, comprising a closed cabinet; a layer of permeable growth medium for the growth of microorganisms near the bottom of the cabinet wherein a portion of the growth medium is submerged in water, and an air space above the growth medium for accommodating growing plants wherein air is passed upwardly through at least a portion of the submerged growth medium. In normal operation, the air scrubber operates in a closed loop with a glove box. Air is circulated between the air scrubber and the glove box.