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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
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Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
Published on: August 31, 2017
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Lightning-Driven Pyrite Oxidation Under Archean Atmosphere Conditions.
Annabel L S Long1, Abu S Baidya1, Eva E Stüeken1
1School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom.
Astrobiology
|November 28, 2024
Summary
Lightning-generated nitrogen oxides could oxidize pyrite in anoxic atmospheres, releasing essential nutrients. This process may have been significant in localized, high-lightning areas on early Earth and other planets.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Astrobiology
- Atmospheric Chemistry
Background:
- Oxidative weathering is a key source of micronutrients, but low oxygen on early Earth and Mars limited this.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from lightning are potent oxidizers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if lightning-generated nitrogen oxides can oxidize pyrite under anoxic conditions.
- To assess the potential role of lightning in nutrient cycling on early Earth and other planets.
Main Methods:
- Spark discharge experiments using pyrite powder and various gas mixtures (N2, CO2, air).
- Monitoring of nitrogen oxides, nitrate, nitrite, pH, sulfate, and dissolved iron production.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen oxide production increased with CO2 and O2 levels.
- Dissolved iron and sulfate concentrations rose, indicating abiotic pyrite oxidation by NOx.
- The mechanism's global significance was likely low on early Earth but potentially high in localized, high-lightning regions.
Conclusions:
- Lightning-induced nitrogen oxides can abiotically oxidize pyrite, releasing sulfur, iron, and micronutrients.
- This process is a potential source of bio-essential elements on early Earth and CO2-rich exoplanets.
- Elevated CO2 and high lightning frequency enhance this nutrient release mechanism.
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