Oxygen diffuses into various systems and environments depending on the context. Here are a few examples:
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Biological Systems: In the human body, oxygen diffuses into cells from the bloodstream. This process occurs through the alveoli in the lungs, where oxygen enters the blood and then is transported to tissues, where it diffuses into cells for metabolic processes.
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Aquatic Systems: In water, oxygen diffuses into aquatic organisms, such as fish, through their gills. Dissolved oxygen from the water diffuses into cells for respiration.
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Soil: Oxygen diffuses into the soil from the atmosphere and is essential for the respiration of roots and soil microorganisms.
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Industrial Processes: In various industrial applications, oxygen can diffuse into chemical reactors, contributing to oxidation processes or combustion.
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Membrane Technologies: In processes such as membrane-based separation or gas-permeable membranes, oxygen can diffuse through selective membranes for purposes such as oxygen enrichment or gas separation.
In all these contexts, diffusion is driven by concentration gradients, where oxygen moves from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
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