The Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases essential for existence, with oxygen being one of the most crucial nutrients. It represents approximately 21% of the atmospheric composition. Its presence is essential for the respiration of living beings and for maintaining the balance of numerous chemical processes on our planet.
Calculating the precise amount of oxygen in the atmosphere is as complex as counting all the stars in the sky; it is practically impossible. The atmosphere has no defined boundary, and the concentration of oxygen can fluctuate depending on the region and altitude.
Throughout history, the amount of atmospheric oxygen has not remained constant. During theGran Oxidación, about 2.4 billion years ago , oxygen concentrations increased dramatically. However, today, we have observed an unfavorable trend due to human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, which decrease the amount of oxygen available.
Where did oxygen come from? About 3.5 billion years ago , Earth was a hostile environment, dominated by volcanoes and devoid of life as we know it. During that period, about 100 million years ago,bacterias oceánicas, called cyanobacteria, began an extraordinary process: photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a well-known phenomenon, where certain cells, by taking advantage of solar energy, are able to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Initially, this oxygen reacted with other substances, but over time, it accumulated in the atmosphere, which made biodiversity on our planet possible.
Is it possible to run out of oxygen? Imagine for a moment that oxygen is like a bank account: we withdraw money (respiration) while someone must deposit it (production) to avoid going into the red. This enigmatic oxygen banker includes plants, algae and cyanobacteria.
An unwelcome factor has been added to the oxygen equation: global warming . By burning fossil fuels, we release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making it difficult for plants to carry out photosynthesis properly. In addition, rising temperatures cause the oceans to absorb less carbon dioxide, further aggravating the crisis.
A significant decrease in oxygen levels would have devastating effects on life on Earth . Species that require aerobic respiration, including humans, would face serious survival problems. Even a slight reduction in oxygen concentration could negatively affect human health, especially for those residing in high-altitude areas, where oxygen is already scarce.
Comentar: