Oxygen: Uses of Oxygen

Oxygen is a chemical element with the atomic number 8 and symbol O. Oxygen is one of the most abundant elements on the earth’s surface. It is through this oxygen that human life persists. Further, it is very important for living organisms as well as environmental and atmospheric processes like photosynthesis. Oxygen is also vital in the existence of the ozone layer in the atmosphere that absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and protects the earth’s environment and living organisms, or biosphere. Oxygen is also used for industrial purposes such as in the creation of plastic, steel, textiles, aircraft, submarines, etc. 

Uses of oxygen in the atmosphere

Oxygen has proved to be a necessity in almost every corner of the biosphere, from biological to environmental, which makes it the most necessary or important element for the survival of a living organism; listed below are a few uses of oxygen: 

• Biological uses: 

Photosynthesis and respiration: Aae and cyanobacteria provide for around 70% of the oxygen. Others believe that 45% of the oxygen is from the oceans and other such large water bodies and that the rest of it originates from terrestrial plants. 

Carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose + dioxygen 

Living organisms use the dioxygen that is released in photosynthesis for respiration, and along with it, this oxygen helps in other biological bodily functions. The cells in the human body absorb this oxygen to make energy; it is also absorbed in the lungs, which are supplied to blood. Oxygen reaches other bodily tissues through blood for proper functioning and energy formation. 

• Industrial uses:

One million tons of oxygen is extracted from the air annually for industrial purposes. This extraction is facilitated with the most common method of fractional distillation of liquified air. Through this, the nitrogen is vaporised, and oxygen is left behind as a liquid. This oxygen is stored in high-pressure oxygen tanks, transported, or shipped for medical use and industrial purposes like welding. Oxygen produced is stored in compressed form outside buildings, hospitals, and schools. 

Iron ore smelting for the extraction of steel nearly consumes 55% of the oxygen used in industries. In this process, the oxygen is passed through a high-pressure lance into the molten iron, which removes impurities and other undesirable components like carbons and sulphides; this reaction is exothermic, which means that the temperature increases beyond 1000 degrees. 

25% of the oxygen is used in the chemical industries to produce certain chemicals that involve oxygen as a core product. Ethylene is reacted with oxygen to produce ethylene oxide, which is then converted to ethylene glycol. It is one of the most important chemicals or compounds for the manufacturing of products like antifreeze and the polyester polymers used in the production of many plastics and fabrics. Much of the oxygen is used in the production of benzylic acid and acrylic acid. Catalytic is used in afterburners to get rid of hazardous gases. 

The remaining 20% of the commercially produced oxygen is used in applications like cutting, welding in water treatment, and as oxidizers in rocket fuel. The usage of oxygen in the industry is massive, and most of it is commercially produced for usage. 

• Medical usage: 

Oxygen is the main component of respiration, and so it is used in the medical industry to supply oxygen in case of less body oxygen proportion. Sometimes it is useful for slowing down the blood flow if it gets too much for the heart to take and prevent various heart diseases. Oxygen therapy is often used for treating pneumonia, heart diseases and lung diseases, pulmonary artery disease, and any such bodily issue that makes it hard to use up or breathe oxygen. 

This oxygen is readily portable in premises like homes, and sometimes it is also there in universities and schools just for any unforeseen conditions that might break out. Earlier oxygen tents used to be built up, but now, with advancements, oxygen masks and nasal cannulas are used. High pressure uses oxygen chambers to increase the pressure of oxygen around the patient. In case of gas poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, and decompression sickness, oxygen is supplied for normal functioning. It prevents those gases from harming the body seriously. 

• Life support and recreational uses of oxygen:

Oxygen or Oxygen cylinders are the artificially transported oxygen devices used in activities like underwater diving or scuba diving, and sometimes also in the suites for space shuttles. There are atmospheric diving suites that help supply oxygen in the water and during time spent in a spaceship. Astronauts often elucidate the importance of oxygen and how it is one of the basic reasons why life on earth is supported and not on any other planet. 

Conclusion

Oxygen has many uses for balancing and maintaining the biosphere, and these uses are in play in every corner of the earth, from medical-industrial to biological spheres. Through the medium of oxygen, life on earth is possible and is sustaining. Oxygen undergoes chemical reactions that, in return, give important and useful by-products. It is also used in oxygen cylinders, and treating patients. Further, oxygen is the main source of energy for all living organisms.