Researchers from an international study led by the Blas Cabrera Institute of Chemical Physics discovered that bromine and iodine emitted by oceans contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. The research demonstrated that these natural halogens participated in the degradation of this protective barrier of the planet.
The study results reveal that, although the ozone layer is frequently associated with the action of chemicals manufactured by humans, such as chlorofluorocarbons, natural elements from oceans also play a significant role in its deterioration.
Bromine and iodine, naturally released by seawater, react with ozone in the stratosphere, causing its decomposition. This process compromises the atmosphere's ability to protect Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
This discovery adds a new perspective to studies on the state of the ozone layer and the factors affecting its integrity, highlighting the complexity of interactions between oceans and Earth's atmosphere.
