Scientists discover oxygen production in deep ocean

Scientists have discovered a new source of oxygen in the deep ocean, known as "dark oxygen." This oxygen is produced without sunlight, which has been a common belief that oxygen can only come from photosynthesis. The discovery began in 2013 when researchers were studying carbon cycling in the Pacific Ocean. They found unexpected bubbles in a device they sent to the seafloor. In 2015, sensors showed signs of oxygen production, but the scientist initially thought the readings were faulty. It wasn't until 2021 that they confirmed the existence of dark oxygen. The team’s research suggests that polymetallic nodules, which are rock-like formations made of various metals, may help produce this oxygen. These nodules could create a voltage that splits seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. A recent study from China supports the idea that manganese nodules can generate oxygen. This year, the team received funding to further explore these findings. They plan to investigate if dark oxygen is significant for deep-sea ecosystems and whether it could hint at life on other planets. Conversations with NASA indicate that this research may change how we understand life on ocean worlds like Europa, which has ice covering its waters. The research will involve custom vehicles that can dive to depths of more than 11,000 meters, allowing them to study the deep seafloor for the first time. The scientists aim to find out if hydrogen produced during dark oxygen creation could support unique microbial life in the deep ocean. This research is especially important as it may also inform the deep-sea mining industry, which extracts metal-rich nodules for technology like electric car batteries. Their findings could help protect vulnerable areas of the seabed from mining impacts. Overall, this study opens up new questions and possibilities for understanding the deep sea and beyond.