Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 2.4 A possible evolution path from the mineral kingdom to organic substances through
cosmic dust nanoparticles [
42
]
It has also been revealed that cosmic dust contains organic substance complexes
under the form of aromatic-aliphatic mixtures, which may be created spontane-
ously in the Universe, as shown in Fig.
2.4
[
42
].
Computational chemistry studies about complex organic molecules that forms
the bases of life have led to the theory that such molecules might have been formed
in the protoplanetary disc, in the nanoparticles that revolved around the Sun, before
the formation of the Earth [
43
]. According to computer models, the process could
be the same around any star that acquires planets through a mechanism similar to
their formation around the Sun [
44
].
Other studies [
45
,
46
] have revealed that under conditions similar to those in the
interstellar medium, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) change to amino
acids and nucleotides through hydrogenation, hydroxylation or partial oxidation.
The database for tracking PAH in the universe has been updated and enriched.
According to very recent estimations, over 20 % of the carbon compounds can be
tied up in PAH. It has even been asserted that PAH may have been formed only a
short time after the Big Bang, are spread throughout the universe and can be
associated with the formation of new stars and exoplanets [
47
].
Studies concerned with nanoparticle properties provide valuable information
about planetary systems formation and the origin and role of water and organic
substances in producing the first self-reproductive systems that have generated life.
References
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State University, Kansas, USA. Course web site: http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/ice/
icehome.html
2. Mandia A. Scott (2005) Possible causes for climate change, Smithtown Sciences Bldg
