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Evidence for photochemical production of reactive oxygen species in desert soils

Author

Listed:
  • Christos D. Georgiou

    (University of Patras)

  • Henry J. Sun

    (Desert Research Institute)

  • Christopher P. McKay

    (NASA Ames Research Center)

  • Konstantinos Grintzalis

    (University of Patras)

  • Ioannis Papapostolou

    (University of Patras)

  • Dimitrios Zisimopoulos

    (University of Patras)

  • Konstantinos Panagiotidis

    (University of Patras)

  • Gaosen Zhang

    (Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Eleni Koutsopoulou

    (Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Patras)

  • George E. Christidis

    (Technical University of Crete)

  • Irene Margiolaki

    (University of Patras)

Abstract

The combination of intense solar radiation and soil desiccation creates a short circuit in the biogeochemical carbon cycle, where soils release significant amounts of CO2 and reactive nitrogen oxides by abiotic oxidation. Here we show that desert soils accumulate metal superoxides and peroxides at higher levels than non-desert soils. We also show the photogeneration of equimolar superoxide and hydroxyl radical in desiccated and aqueous soils, respectively, by a photo-induced electron transfer mechanism supported by their mineralogical composition. Reactivity of desert soils is further supported by the generation of hydroxyl radical via aqueous extracts in the dark. Our findings extend to desert soils the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species by certain mineral oxides and also explain previous studies on desert soil organic oxidant chemistry and microbiology. Similar processes driven by ultraviolet radiation may be operating in the surface soils on Mars.

Suggested Citation

  • Christos D. Georgiou & Henry J. Sun & Christopher P. McKay & Konstantinos Grintzalis & Ioannis Papapostolou & Dimitrios Zisimopoulos & Konstantinos Panagiotidis & Gaosen Zhang & Eleni Koutsopoulou & G, 2015. "Evidence for photochemical production of reactive oxygen species in desert soils," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8100
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8100
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