Iron(VI) Seems an Unlikely Explanation for Viking Labeled Release Results

Tsapin et al. (2000, Icarus147, 68–78) propose the strong oxidant ferrate(VI) to explain the Viking Labeled Release Mars life detection results. However, their data do not support that theory. Further, sensitive IR searches for oxidants on Mars found none, and Viking produced physical evidence against an oxidizing surface. Finally, Tsapin et al. (2000, Icarus147, 68–78) report no precautions to prevent microbial contamination from confounding their results.