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An abiotic source of Archean hydrogen peroxide and oxygen that pre-dates oxygenic photosynthesis

Author

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  • Hongping He

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiao Wu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Haiyang Xian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science)

  • Jianxi Zhu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yiping Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ying Lv

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yiliang Li

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Kurt O. Konhauser

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis is a pivotal event in Earth’s history because the O2 released fundamentally changed the planet’s redox state and facilitated the emergence of multicellular life. An intriguing hypothesis proposes that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) once acted as the electron donor prior to the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, but its abundance during the Archean would have been limited. Here, we report a previously unrecognized abiotic pathway for Archean H2O2 production that involves the abrasion of quartz surfaces and the subsequent generation of surface-bound radicals that can efficiently oxidize H2O to H2O2 and O2. We propose that in turbulent subaqueous environments, such as rivers, estuaries and deltas, this process could have provided a sufficient H2O2 source that led to the generation of biogenic O2, creating an evolutionary impetus for the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongping He & Xiao Wu & Haiyang Xian & Jianxi Zhu & Yiping Yang & Ying Lv & Yiliang Li & Kurt O. Konhauser, 2021. "An abiotic source of Archean hydrogen peroxide and oxygen that pre-dates oxygenic photosynthesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26916-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26916-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sean A. Crowe & Lasse N. Døssing & Nicolas J. Beukes & Michael Bau & Stephanus J. Kruger & Robert Frei & Donald E. Canfield, 2013. "Atmospheric oxygenation three billion years ago," Nature, Nature, vol. 501(7468), pages 535-538, September.
    2. Kurt O. Konhauser & Stefan V. Lalonde & Noah J. Planavsky & Ernesto Pecoits & Timothy W. Lyons & Stephen J. Mojzsis & Olivier J. Rouxel & Mark E. Barley & Carlos Rosìere & Phillip W. Fralick & Lee R. , 2011. "Aerobic bacterial pyrite oxidation and acid rock drainage during the Great Oxidation Event," Nature, Nature, vol. 478(7369), pages 369-373, October.
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