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Abiotic nitrogen reduction on the early Earth

J A Brandes1, N Z Boctor, G D Cody

  • 1Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC 20015-1305, USA. brandes@gl.ciw.edu

Nature
|October 6, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Mineral catalysts can convert nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia under early Earth conditions. This process may have supplied essential ammonia to the Hadean ocean, aiding the origin of life.

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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Astrobiology
  • Mineralogy

Background:

  • Organic precursor production is vital for life's origin.
  • Nitrogen (N2) is less efficient for organic synthesis than ammonia.
  • Early Earth's reducing conditions were presumed to favor ammonia, but lacked experimental proof.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally investigate mineral-catalyzed nitrogen fixation to ammonia.
  • To determine ammonia production feasibility under early Earth crustal and hydrothermal conditions.
  • To assess the role of ammonia in resolving the early-faint-Sun paradox.

Main Methods:

  • Mineral-catalyzed reduction experiments of N2, NO2-, and NO3- to ammonia.
  • Simulated crustal and oceanic hydrothermal system conditions (300–800°C, 0.1–0.4 GPa).

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  • Analysis of nitrogen species stability at high temperatures (above 800°C).

    • Main Results:

    • Demonstrated mineral-catalyzed ammonia synthesis from N2, NO2-, and NO3- between 300–800°C and 0.1–0.4 GPa.
    • Established that only N2 is stable above 800°C, limiting atmospheric ammonia formation during hot accretion.
    • Indicated mineral-catalyzed N2 reduction as a potential significant source of ammonia to the Hadean ocean.

    Conclusions:

    • Mineral-catalyzed N2 reduction likely provided crucial ammonia to the early Hadean ocean.
    • Hydrothermal ammonia exchange could have supplied atmospheric ammonia, resolving the early-faint-Sun paradox.
    • This research provides experimental support for ammonia's role in prebiotic chemistry and early Earth atmospheric conditions.