The biggest source of oxygen on Earth is the ocean.
Oceanic Oxygen Production
The ocean plays a crucial role in the Earth's oxygen production. Scientists estimate that roughly half of the oxygen produced globally originates from the ocean. The majority of this production is attributed to oceanic plankton, which includes drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria capable of photosynthesis. (Scientists estimate that roughly half of the oxygen production on Earth comes from the ocean. The majority of this production is from oceanic plankton — drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria that can photosynthesize. One particular species, Prochlorococcus, is the smallest photosynthetic organism on Earth.16-Jun-2024)
Key Contributors
Here are some of the key contributors to oceanic oxygen production:
- Phytoplankton: These microscopic, plant-like organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy.
- Algae: Various types of algae contribute significantly to oxygen production through photosynthesis.
- Photosynthetic Bacteria: Certain bacteria, such as Prochlorococcus, are extremely small but highly abundant and play a vital role in oxygen production. This particular species is the smallest photosynthetic organism on Earth.
Therefore, while trees and land plants are essential, the vast expanse of the ocean and its teeming microscopic life make it the Earth's primary source of oxygen.
