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Evaluating experimental artifacts in hydrothermal prebiotic synthesis experiments.

Alexander Smirnov1, Martin A A Schoonen

  • 1NASA Astrobiology Institute and Department of Geosciences, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA. asmirnov@ic.sunysb.edu

Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere : the Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life
|September 12, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Organic contamination from polymer tubing can impact hydrothermal prebiotic experiments. Stainless steel, however, aids formate decomposition, crucial for understanding early Earth chemistry.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Geochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Background:

  • Hydrothermal vents are considered potential cradles for prebiotic chemistry.
  • Contamination in experimental setups can obscure the understanding of abiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess organic contamination introduced by experimental apparatus in hydrothermal prebiotic simulations.
  • To investigate the role of different materials and conditions on contaminant levels.

Main Methods:

  • Control experiments using ultra-pure deionized water.
  • Testing various reaction vessel materials, sampling tubing types, and stirring methods.
  • Quantification of organic contaminants (formate, acetate, propionate ions).

Main Results:

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  • All tested polymer tubing materials leached organic contaminants into the solution.
  • Stainless steel demonstrated a catalytic effect on formate decomposition.
  • Contaminant levels varied based on the combination of materials and experimental conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Polymer tubing is a significant source of organic contamination in hydrothermal prebiotic experiments.
  • Stainless steel's catalytic activity on formate decomposition is confirmed, relevant for high-temperature/pressure conditions.
  • Careful selection of experimental materials is essential for accurate prebiotic chemistry research.