Phyllosilicate adsorption limited phosphorus bioavailability in early ferruginous oceans
Xing Cui1, Zongbin Zhang2, Qin Li3
1Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
Nature Communications
|February 6, 2026
Summary
Early Earth
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
- Early Earth Science
Background:
- The phosphorus (P) cycle is crucial for life's evolution, linking Earth's biosphere and geosphere.
- Modern P availability depends on mineral adsorption, but early Earth's anoxic conditions present unknowns.
- Understanding early P cycling is key to understanding the origin and evolution of early life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of phyllosilicates in the early phosphorus (P) cycle.
- To evaluate P adsorption onto phyllosilicates under early Earth's anoxic, ferruginous conditions.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigations of P adsorption onto phyllosilicates.
- Theoretical modeling of P adsorption processes.
- Analysis of P adsorption in simulated early Earth's ferruginous waters.
Main Results:
- Phosphorus adsorption onto phyllosilicates was significantly enhanced in early ferruginous waters.
- Dissolved Fe(II) acted as a bridge, enhancing P adsorption.
- Enhanced adsorption facilitated P transport during weathering but also promoted burial in marine settings.
Conclusions:
- Phyllosilicate adsorption influenced P availability in early Earth's oceans.
- This process limited dissolved P release during seafloor weathering.
- Collectively, these processes may have constrained P availability for early life's origin and evolution.
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