Measurement of OH* Generation by Pulverized Minerals Using Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy and Implications for the Reactivity of Planetary Regolith

Mineral analogs to silicate phases common to planetary regolith, including olivine; the pyroxenes augite and diopside; the plagioclase feldspars labradorite, bytownite, and albite; the Johnson Space Center‐1A lunar regolith simulant; as well as quartz (used as a reference), were subjected to mechanical pulverization by laboratory milling for times ranging from 5 to 45 min. Pulverized minerals were then incubated in an aqueous solution containing the free radical spin trapping compound 5,5‐Dimethyl‐1‐Pyrroline‐N‐Oxide for times ranging from 5 to 30 min. These slurries were then analyzed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy to quantify the amount of hydroxyl radical (the neutral charge form of the hydroxide ion, denoted as OH*) formed in solution. We find that all tested materials generate an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrum indicating the formation of OH* with concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 1.5 μM. We also find that, in general, mineral pulverization time is inversely correlated to OH* generation, while OH* generation is positively correlated to mineral fluid incubation time for phases that have iron in their nominal chemical formulae, suggesting the possible action of Fenton reaction as a cofactor in increasing the reactivity of these phases. Our results add to a body of literature that indicates that the finely comminuted minerals and rocks present in planetary regolith are capable of generating highly reactive and highly oxidizing radical species in solution. The results provide the foundation for further in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies to evaluate the possible health risks that future explorers visiting the surfaces of planetary bodies may face from these reactive regolith materials.
Key Points Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements show minerals with high iron content generate 2‐5 times more OH* relative to minerals with low iron contentPlanetary regolith on airless bodies containing iron‐rich mineral phases has the potential to generate oxidizing species that may pose a hazard to future human explorersHigh reactivity levels of iron‐rich minerals should motivate the development of effective mitigation systems for humans traveling to the Moon, especially in the mare regions