Nickel: Geochemistry, biochemistry and its role in chemical and biological evolutions

Nickel is a versatile element that plays critical roles in Earth's geological and biological evolution, from the depths of the magmatic mantle to the complexity of prebiotic chemistry. While it is not considered the sole catalyst for the origin of life, recent research suggests that Ni may have had a more profound role than traditionally recognized. This review synthesizes Ni isotope geochemistry, biology, and prebiotic chemistry, exploring how Ni isotope variations offer new insights into magmatic processes, hydrothermal systems, and the cycling of Ni through Earth’s lithosphere and hydrosphere. We summarize the pathways of Ni in oceanic environments, highlighting its influence on biogeochemical cycles and microbial metabolisms that shape global ecosystems. Furthermore, we examine the essential roles of Ni in biological systems, focusing on its function as a catalytic metal in enzymes crucial for nitrogen and carbon cycling. Extending to the prebiotic world, we evaluate Ni's potential in catalyzing life’s earliest chemical reactions, including the polymerization of amino acids and the fixation of CO 2 , possibly driven by unique metal-ligand interactions. Our comprehensive review positions Ni as a pivotal element across geological timescales and environments, underscoring its relevance to both planetary and biochemical processes.