O2 Sources Courses

O2 sources are any airborne materials that supply oxygen to organisms. This includes the natural process of photosynthesis, when plants and algae use energy from sunlight to produce oxygen, and the decomposition of organic matter. Another source of oxygen is atmospheric deposition, where atmospheric oxygen enters the air and is then absorbed by the surface of the earth. Finally, oxygen may also enter the atmosphere through the exchange of air beneath the ocean’s surface. In most habitats, oxygen is produced by photosynthetic activity, including the activity of phytoplankton in aquatic systems, and by the gaseous exchange of air between the atmosphere and the surface of the earth. These processes occur naturally and support the diffusion of oxygen throughout the environment. The availability of oxygen and other essential elements for life depends directly on these sources. The oxidation of organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, is also a major source of oxygen, and is responsible for approximately 30%-40% of atmospheric oxygen. This is why, as the composition of the atmosphere has changed due to the advent of industrial emissions, levels of oxygen have increased in the atmosphere. When conditions are favorable, dissolved oxygen enters the water and provides essential nutrients for aquatic life. Oxygen is also critical for soil, which is a major reservoir for important nutrients, since the process of decomposition of organic matter requires the presence of oxygen. In short, oxygen is an essential component of any environment, and is obtained from various sources including photosynthesis, atmospheric deposition, and the decay of organic matter.