Question

State the ways by which oxygen is removed from the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The processes by which oxygen is removed from the atmosphere are:

• Breathing: It is the physical process, through which all living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans inhale oxygen from the outside environment into the cells of an organism and exhale carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
• Decomposition: It is one of the natural and most important processes in the oxygen cycle and occurs when an organism dies. The dead animal or plants decay into the ground, and the organic matter along with the carbon, oxygen, water, and other components are returned to the soil and air. This process is carried out by the invertebrates, including fungi, bacteria, and some insects which are collectively called decomposers. The entire process requires oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
• Combustion: It is also one of the most important processes which occur when any organic materials, including fossil fuels, plastics, and wood, are burned in the presence of oxygen and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Rusting: This process also requires oxygen. It is the formation of oxides which is also called oxidation. In this process, metals like iron or alloy rust when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen for an extended period of time, and new compounds of oxides are formed by the combination of oxygen with the metal.