Scientists who recently made the groundbreaking discovery that metal lumps on the dark seabed produce oxygen, have unveiled plans to investigate the deepest parts of Earth's oceans to unravel this mysterious process.
The researchers believe their mission could revolutionize our perspective on the potential for life on other planets. This finding challenges the traditional belief that oxygen is solely produced by plants in sunlight through photosynthesis.
Intriguingly, if oxygen, a crucial element for life, can be generated in the absence of light by these metal lumps, there is a possibility that similar mechanisms could exist on other planets, creating environments rich in oxygen conducive to sustaining life.
Lead researcher, Professor Andrew Sweetman, emphasized the significance of this finding, stating, "We are already consulting with NASA experts who speculate that dark oxygen might redefine our comprehension of life sustainability on celestial bodies lacking direct sunlight."
The team's objective is to explore sites in the ocean depths exceeding 10km (6.2 miles), utilizing remotely-operated submersible devices to conduct their investigations.
This new study aims to determine the implications of oxygen production in lightless conditions on marine life on the seabed and assess the potential repercussions of mining activities in such environments.
The researchers are preparing to collaborate with NASA scientists to explore whether this process could support microbial life beneath the oceans on other planets and moons.
Their experiments with metal nodules in lab settings revealed that these formations can trigger the electrolysis of seawater, producing oxygen through the generation of electric currents. Despite criticism from some quarters questioning the validity of their findings, Prof. Sweetman remains resolute in the validity of their conclusions, asserting that further experiments will validate their claims.
While the debate may appear technical, the outcome could significantly impact deep-sea mining ventures targeting these metal deposits essential for producing batteries, in high demand as economies transition towards technologies like electric vehicles.
In light of these findings, Prof. Sweetman emphasized the importance of understanding the deep-sea ecosystem before proceeding further, urging a cautious approach in considering the broader implications of exploiting these resources.