Tag: Oxygen production

Over half of the world's oxygen is produced by marine plankton, not rainforests, debunking a common myth. This incredible fact sets the stage for a deeper look into a fundamental biological question: does oxygen come from sugar or nutrients?

It is estimated that phytoplankton produce at least 50% of the Earth's oxygen, providing the oxygen for every second breath we take. This microscopic marine life is far more than just a source of oxygen; the question of "do humans need phytoplankton?" is a resounding yes, tied to our very existence through atmospheric stability, the food web, and overall planetary health.

According to one calculation, an adult needs roughly 300 to 500 average-sized houseplants to produce enough oxygen for their daily needs in a sealed environment. This highlights the immense scale required and raises the central question: how many plants to keep one person alive?