Scientists have made an astonishing discovery: metal lumps on the ocean floor may generate oxygen, a phenomenon previously thought to occur only through photosynthesis in sunlight. Researchers are now planning a deeper investigation into this unusual process, which could significantly change our understanding of both marine life and the potential for life on other planets.
Initially, the discovery left marine scientists puzzled. It had long been believed that oxygen production was confined to plants in the sunlight. But the researchers now propose that if oxygen can be made in the dark, such processes could also occur on other planets or moons, potentially creating oxygen-rich environments capable of sustaining life.
Lead researcher, Professor Andrew Sweetman, explained, “We are already discussing with NASA experts, who believe that this discovery could change how we think about sustaining life on other planets without direct sunlight.” The team is eager to investigate the exact mechanisms behind this oxygen production.
The discovery has sparked controversy, especially in light of deep-sea mining projects targeting seabed nodules rich in valuable metals. If oxygen is indeed produced in the depths, this could raise questions about the impact of mining on marine life, as well as the survival of life at extreme ocean depths.
Professor Sweetman and his team are now planning to study areas of the seabed more than 10 kilometers deep, using advanced submersible equipment. They hope to find similar oxygen-producing processes elsewhere and examine whether they could support microbial life under oceans on distant planets.
The initial breakthrough, published in Nature Geoscience, came after the team deployed sensors to the seabed near Hawaii and Mexico at depths of 5 kilometers. The sensors showed a consistent rise in oxygen levels, initially disregarded by the team, as it contradicted previous scientific understanding. However, further experiments revealed that the metal nodules were generating electric currents that split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.
This groundbreaking finding has faced criticism from some scientists and deep-sea mining companies, with detractors questioning the scientific rigor of the team’s methods. Despite the pushback, Professor Sweetman remains confident in the validity of the discovery and is determined to provide further proof through ongoing experiments.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond the deep-sea ecosystem. As demand grows for the metals contained in these seabed nodules—essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies—mining companies are eager to harvest them. However, environmental groups and over 900 marine scientists have raised concerns about the potential damage to fragile ecosystems, urging a pause in mining activities until more is understood.
Professor Sweetman emphasized the need for careful, thorough investigation of the deep-sea ecosystem before any mining decisions are made. “The right course of action,” he stated, “is to pause and gain a better understanding before proceeding with any large-scale extraction.”
