Researchers have found ‘Dark Oxygen’ on the ocean floor, produced by metal lumps in a surprising discovery

It’s a discovery that could change our understanding of oxygen production in the deep sea: potato-sized rocks on the ocean floor are generating oxygen without the need for plants. Researchers from the National Oceanography Center in the UK, led by Andrew Sweetman, have uncovered this “dark oxygen” phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

Initially skeptical of the unexpected rise in oxygen levels, Sweetman and his team eventually traced the source to polymetallic nodules on the seafloor. These nodules, rich in rare earth metals, are being targeted for deep-sea mining due to their economic value.

The discovery challenges traditional notions of oxygen production and could have implications for the origins of life on Earth. It also raises concerns about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining, which has been met with opposition from scientists and conservationists.

Despite the controversy surrounding deep-sea mining, the Metals Company has received authorization for a mining trial in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The findings of studies like Sweetman’s provide crucial data for decision-makers and may influence the future of deep-sea mining.

This groundbreaking research highlights the delicate balance between scientific exploration, economic interests, and environmental conservation in the deep sea. As stakeholders navigate the complexities of this issue, the quest for knowledge continues to uncover new and unexpected wonders of the ocean’s depths.