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 peculiar phenomenon.
Their expedition could "reshape our perspective on the potential for extraterrestrial life," according to the researchers.
This initial finding baffled marine scientists as it was conventionally believed that only plants could generate oxygen through photosynthesis in sunlight.
The team posits that if oxygen, a crucial element for life, can be generated in darkness by metal lumps, then similar processes might be occurring on other planets, fostering oxygen-rich environments conducive to life.
Lead researcher Prof Andrew Sweetman explained, "We are in discussions with Nasa experts who speculate that dark oxygen may revolutionize our understanding of sustaining life on other planets without direct sunlight."
Their objective is to explore deep-sea sites exceeding 10km (6.2 miles) in depth using remotely-operated submersible technology to investigate this phenomenon further.
Prof Sweetman stated, "We possess instruments capable of reaching the ocean's most profound depths. We are confident in discovering similar occurrences elsewhere and will investigate the underlying causes."
Collaborative experiments with Nasa scientists will seek to ascertain if this process could support microbial life beneath oceans on other celestial bodies.
The investigation zone comprises a vast expanse of seabed covered in naturally formed metal nodules that develop over millions of years from dissolved metals in seawater accumulating on shell fragments or other debris.
Initial data indicated an increase in oxygen levels, prompting the researchers to delve into the matter further after originally dismissing the readings, assuming oxygen production solely through photosynthesis.
Lab experiments with collected nodules submerged in seawater revealed the lumps producing oxygen by generating electric currents that could separate seawater molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Despite pushback from some scientists and seabed mining companies disputing the findings, the team remains resolute in their conclusions and intends to offer substantiating evidence through new experiments.
While this might appear to be a specialized, technical debate, numerous large mining companies are actively exploring the potential of extracting these valuable metals from the seabed.
Given the significance of these metals for battery production amid the global shift away from fossil fuels towards electric vehicles, Prof Sweetman stressed the importance of thoroughly understanding the deep-sea ecosystem before taking any further actions.
"In my opinion," he emphasized during a recent press conference, "it is imperative that we pause to comprehensively evaluate the implications for our global society before proceeding."