Oxidants from Pulverized Rock COSMOCHEMISTRY iLLUSTRATED Oxidants from Pulverized Minerals Dust on lunar and Martian surfaces might be: –Strongly oxidizing –A biological hazard H 2 O 2 (hydrogen peroxide) might be an important oxidizer Could be produced by ground up soil reacting with water Low-T geochemists play important roles in addressing this issue Moon Mars

Oxidants from Pulverized Rock COSMOCHEMISTRY iLLUSTRATED Oxidants from Pulverized Minerals Experiments show that silicate mineral powders are highly reactive with water and produce H 2 O 2 The amount produced is related to silicate crystal structure Important implications for astronaut health on the Moon and Mars, and organic chemistry on Martian surface

Oxidants from Pulverized Rock COSMOCHEMISTRY iLLUSTRATED Perchlorate in Martian Soil Sample locations in soil at the Phoenix landing site Results of analysis of sample called “Rosy Red.” Note presence of significant concentration of perchlorate ions.