Surprise in the depths of the Pacific can change our understanding of life on Earth – and even influence the search for life in other planets.
“What if this could solve all our energy problems?”
The question is left on the portal, in an article about a surprise: scientists found that the polymetal nodules at the bottom of the ocean produce oxygen in complete darkness – A phenomenon now designated by “Dark oxygen”.
The discovery was made in the Clarion-Clipperton (CCZ) zone, an abyssal plain of 4.5 million square kilometers between Hawaii and Mexico.
Although CCZ is known for its rich marine ecosystem, it is particularly famous for potato -size polymetal nodules, full of metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper and zinc.
These metals are essential for green energy technologies, giving the nodules the nickname “Battery on a rock” between mining companies.
However, a new one reveals that these nodules can play an even more crucial role.
The researchers found that the Nodules generate oxygen in the depths of the ocean (4,000 meters deep), where sunlight is not enough.
This challenge the longtime view that the Oxygen on Earth originated only photosynthetic organisms.
Sweetman explained that the discovery forces scientists to rethink questions about the origin of aerobic life. “There had to be oxygen so that aerobic life could start,” he said. “But now we know that there is oxygen produced in the depths of the ocean, where there is no light.”
The path to this discovery began over a decade ago, when Sweetman observed unexpected oxygen increases in great depths. Laboratory experiments showed that the nodules themselves, even without microorganisms, produced oxygen through a natural electrochemical process – acting essentially as small “geobaateria” that separate seawater from hydrogen and oxygen.
The discovery intensified the debate on the deep water mining. While companies like Metals Company see nodules as a potential solution for global energy challenges, 25 countries appeal to the International Marine Fund Authority (ISA) to impose a moratorium, allowing further research on potential ecological impacts. Oceans already face pressure due to acidification, deoxigence and pollution, making cautious management essential.
Lisa Levin, da Scripps Institution of Oceanography, destacou a importance From this discovery: “Oxygen production at sea bottom by polymetallic nodules is a new function of the ecosystem that needs to be considered in assessing the impact of deep water mining.”
As deep water mining negotiations continue, the discovery of dark oxygen underlines a simple truth: disturbing these abyssal ecosystems can have unpredictable consequences with Implications for Life on Earth – and possibly for other planets.
