The Origin of Oxygen

So where does oxygen come from? If asked, most would correctly say photosynthesis. Indeed, oxygen is a biproduct of photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis likely conjures up images of forests, leaves, trees and grasses from your grade school and high school textbooks.  What may surprise you is that not only does photosynthesis occur with trees and plants, but also in our oceans. In fact, it is estimated that over 50% of the earth’s oxygen is produced by phytoplankton drifting in the sunlit, photic zone of our oceans. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants and algae that drift in the ocean currents. They are so tiny that there can be thousands of them in one drop of water, but their sheer volume creates an enormous surface area that allows them to absorb sunlight and through photosynthesis, convert it to energy which releases oxygen. As if creating oxygen isn't enough of a superhero power, phytoplankton is also the base of the marine food web and directly or indirectly responsible for sustaining most marine life.

Stands to reason that changes that affect phytoplankton, such as increased ocean temperatures, marine pollution and ocean acidification would have a significant impact on our oceans, our marine life and ultimately on us. If things so basic to our existence such as the oxygen we breath and the food we eat are compromised the resulting consequences are dire.

So, with every other breath, remember the tiny little phytoplankton drifting along the ocean currents, absorbing sunlight and creating oxygen for us to breathe. The least we can do in exchange is protect our plankton!

To help protect our plankton, join Maristella Mission for an upcoming beach cleanup or community service event.