Is oxygen matter
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Is Oxygen Matter?
Oxygen as a Fundamental Element in the Universe
Oxygen is one of the most abundant and versatile elements in the universe. It exists in all states of matter—gas, liquid, and solid—and can bond with numerous elements across the periodic table. This versatility makes oxygen a crucial component in the geochemical evolution of the Solar System. Its stable isotopes serve as tracers for various cosmochemical and geochemical processes, highlighting its significance in the geological evolution of rocky bodies within the Solar System1.
Role of Oxygen in Organic Matter and Biogeochemical Cycles
Organic matter (OM) plays a significant role in the formation of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) and the associated biogeochemical cycling. The supply and utilization of OM in these zones are influenced by physical transport, particle formation, and microbial respiration. Enhanced microbial respiration of OM can create anoxic microzones, while reduced OM degradation under low-oxygen conditions can increase CO2 storage time in the ocean2. Additionally, the concentration and isotopic composition of oxygen in organic matter can be determined through advanced analytical methods, providing insights into the biochemical quality and remineralization rates of OM3.
Oxygen in Atmospheric and Particulate Matter
Oxygen is also a significant component of ambient particulate matter. The organic fraction of particulate matter is highly oxygenated, and its analysis involves pyrolyzing samples and detecting evolved oxygen through infrared spectrometry. This process quantifies oxygen in various compounds, including organic compounds, carbonates, silicates, and sulfates4. Furthermore, the presence of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric particulate matter is a major concern due to their adverse health effects. These compounds are key indicators of PM toxicity and are influenced by photochemical activity in the atmosphere9.
Historical and Environmental Perspectives on Oxygen
The origin of atmospheric oxygen is a topic of significant scientific interest. While photosynthesis produces oxygen and carbohydrates, the degradation of organic matter consumes an equivalent amount of oxygen. However, the balance between oxygen and organic material on Earth suggests that radiolysis of water vapors, with the dissipation of hydrogen to space, was a major source of free oxygen5. The rise of oxygen in Earth's early ocean and atmosphere, driven by early biological production, is one of the most compelling stories in Earth's history8.
Conclusion
Oxygen is undeniably matter, existing in various states and playing a crucial role in both organic and inorganic processes. Its abundance and versatility make it a fundamental element in the universe, influencing geochemical cycles, atmospheric composition, and the health of ecosystems. Understanding the role of oxygen in different contexts, from the Solar System's evolution to its impact on organic matter and particulate matter, underscores its significance in both scientific research and environmental studies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Oxygen in the solar system
Oxygen plays a crucial role in the birth of the Solar System and the geological evolution of rocky bodies within it, with its ubiquity and chemical versatility significantly impacting the Solar System's geochemical evolution.
Organic Matter Supply and Utilization in Oxygen Minimum Zones.
Organic matter supply and utilization in oxygen minimum zones significantly impact biogeochemical cycling and ocean deoxygenation, with implications for global warming.
Determination of the concentration and stable isotopic composition of oxygen in organic matter containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur
This method accurately determines oxygen concentration and isotopic composition in organic matter, enabling accurate estimations of carbon dioxide production in various compounds.
Determination of organic oxygen in ambient particulate matter
The organic fraction of ambient particulate matter is highly oxygenated, with a C/O ratio of less than 2.
Critical review on the origin of atmospheric oxygen: Where is organic matter?
Radiolysis of water vapors with hydrogen dissipation to space is likely the major source of atmospheric oxygen, disproving the biogenic origin of atmospheric oxygen.
Singlet oxygen in the coupled photochemical and biochemical oxidation of dissolved organic matter.
Singlet oxygen in photochemical oxidation of dissolved organic matter may lead to partially oxidized substrates with lower potential biological energy yield.
Highly CitedTracing the origin of the oxygen-consuming organic matter in the hypoxic zone in a large eutrophic estuary:the lower reach of the Pearl River Estuary, China
Marine organic matter contributes significantly to oxygen consumption in hypoxic zones, while terrestrial organic matter also contributes to hypoxia formation in the Pearl River Estuary, China.
Highly CitedThe rise of oxygen in Earth’s early ocean and atmosphere
Early life on Earth created free oxygen, which subsequently increased to near-modern levels in the sea and air, influencing the development of life on Earth.
Highly CitedOxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate matter: Molecular characterization and occurrence
Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) play a key role in atmospheric particulate matter toxicity, with seasonal variations and a 20-fold higher concentration during summer, highlighting the importance of photochemical activity in the atmosphere.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSinglet Oxygen Quantum Yields in Environmental Waters.
This review evaluates singlet oxygen quantum yields in environmental waters, identifies sources of errors, and provides recommendations for future studies to improve reproducibility and understanding of dissolved organic matter photophysics.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited