Median Statistics Analysis of Deuterium Abundance Measurements and Spatial Curvature Constraints

Zavarygin et al. compiled a list of 15 deuterium abundance measurements; two were discarded because the remaining 13 measurements are then consistent with Gaussianity. Those authors found that the weighted-mean baryon density (Omega(b)h(2)) determined from the 13 measurements is mildly discrepant (1.6 sigma) with that determined from the Planck 2015 cosmic microwave background anisotropy data in a flat cosmogony. We find that a median statistic central estimate of Omega bh(2) from all 15 deuterium abundance measurements is a more accurate estimate; is very consistent with Omega bh(2) estimated from Planck 2015 data in a flat cosmogony, but is about 2 sigma lower than that found in a closed cosmogonical model from the Planck 2015 data.