Scientists have recently discovered unexpected oxygen production in the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean, challenging the long-held belief that oxygen is exclusively generated through photosynthesis using sunlight. This phenomenon was observed in potato-sized metal nodules found several thousand feet below the ocean’s surface in the Clarion-Clipperton zone, which contain metals like manganese and iron. These nodules may facilitate electrolysis, causing seawater molecules to release oxygen. Andrew Sweetman, leading research on this discovery, raises critical questions about the process and its implications for deep-sea life. Other instances of “dark oxygen” were noted in isolated freshwater environments, where specific bacteria can produce oxygen without sunlight. Not all scientists agree on the findings, as some independent researchers have not observed the electrical activity that Sweetman claims. The discoveries could have implications for the search for life on other celestial bodies, as NASA is exploring the potential for similar processes on moons like Europa and Enceladus. However, there are concerns regarding the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton zone, prompting calls for further research before any exploitation occurs. This study is published in Nature Geoscience.
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