Oxygen Production – A Level Environmental Science AQA Revision

Oxygen production refers to the process through which oxygen is generated, primarily through photosynthesis and photolysis.
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, algae and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide, water, and light energy into oxygen and glucose.
Photolysis is the dissociation of molecules by the absorption of light. In the context of oxygen production, it refers to the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s high atmosphere due to solar radiation.
Oxygen is an essential element for life on Earth. It’s vital for respiration in animals and humans, and is a key component of many biological and geological processes.

Light intensity: Stronger light intensities increase the rate of photosynthesis and, consequently, oxygen production.
Carbon dioxide concentration: With more carbon dioxide available, plants can perform more photosynthesis, leading to higher oxygen outputs.
Temperature: Higher temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions, including photosynthesis, but only up to a certain threshold.
Nutrient availability: Certain nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorous, are necessary for the growth of photosynthetic organisms and thus oxygen production.

Essential for respiration, a biochemical process in which oxygen is used to produce energy from food.
Helps in the formation of water by combining with hydrogen.
Necessary for combustion which is a primary source of heat, light and energy for human civilization.
Plays a critical role in ozone layer formation, a layer in the Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.

A significant increase or decrease in atmospheric oxygen concentration can have dramatic effects on Earth’s climate. Too much oxygen can stoke rampant wildfires, while too little could lead to the extinction of aerobic life.
Oxygen-producing organisms, such as plants and algae, play a critical role in maintaining Earth’s oxygen levels, capturing carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change.
With anthropogenic activities that cause deforestation and ocean pollution, these natural oxygen producers are under threat, which in turn impacts the balance of oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere.