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Fe(VI) as a Possible Oxidant on the Martian SurfaceThe essential findings of the three biological experiments (Gas Exchange, Labeled Released, and Pyrolitic Release) aboard the Viking Mars landers were the discovery of the presence of one or more strong oxidants on the Martian surface. The Gas Exchange experiments showed that wetting Martian soil leads to the evolution of oxygen, while in the Labeled Release experiment addition of a nutrient solution containing C-14-labeled formate, glycine, lactate, alanine, and glycolic acid induced CO2 evolution. A general consensus was reached that all data taken together pointed to the presence on Martian surface of a strong oxidant, or most probably several different types of oxidants. Several candidates have been proposed as oxidants, including superoxides, hydrogen peroxide, and iron oxides (possibly gamma-Fe2O3). Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Document ID
20000110481
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tsapin, A. I.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Goldfeld, M. G.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
McDonald, G. D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Nealson, K. H.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: The Fifth International Conference on Mars
Subject Category
Geophysics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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