Since childhood, many of us have grown up with the idea that plants and other autotrophic organisms perform photosynthesis to produce oxygen and that the presence of sunlight is crucial for this process to occur. However, we have now found oxygen in the depths of the ocean that is completely blanketed in darkness and is a place no sunlight can reach. Hence, no photosynthesis can occur. This raises the question: where is this mysterious oxygen coming from?
This discovery of “dark oxygen” has transformed our previously linear and simplistic understanding of evolution and the mechanisms of life itself. The research published recently by lead author, Andrew Sweetman, outlines the discovery that was made on the ocean floor of the Pacific in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
The Discovery
Previously noticed in the same spot in 2013, it was first dismissed by Sweetman as the raised oxygen levels were thought to be due to mechanical errors. When the phenomena resurfaced in 2021, the mission to uncover the true source of the oxygen began. The process of elimination was applied to water collected from the bottom of the ocean. When all other possible explanations were eliminated such as microbes or the presence of radioactive substances in the rocks, the possibility of electrolysis arose. Further testing proved that the polymetallic nodules carried around 0.95 Volts. For seawater electrolysis to successfully occur, 1.5 Volts are needed. It was, then, theorized that the nodules possibly grouped to overcome the shortage of voltage. The oxygen produced from this electrolysis is the center of the research.
This discovery has revolutionized our prior view of the evolution of life. Here’s why: it was thought that complex life originated when cyanobacteria produced sufficient oxygen through photosynthesis to support complex life. However, now that we know there are rocks at the bottom of the ocean, perhaps others besides the Pacific too, that are producing oxygen in utter darkness in the absolute absence of sunlight, we have to revisit the question of where and how aerobic life began.
The Repercussions
This research is exciting and incites hope for further scientific discoveries in marine science. Equally importantly, it also shines a light on the harrowing truth of deep-sea mining. Despite the industry being held back by restrictions an regulations placed by the International Seabed Authority, there are 30 active contracts. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone has become a hot spot for deep-sea mining as polymetallic nodules contain rare metals that are used in highly marketable products like smartphones, batteries or solar panels.
Over 80 per cent of the oceans remain a mystery. If the deep-sea mining industry picks up, the oceans will fall victim to an entirely new enemy alongside climate change. Discoveries like that of dark oxygen will become few and far between.
Andrew Sweetman commented on the matter by stating that he hoped research like this would allow us to make better-informed decisions when it comes to mining the ocean.
Mining companies such as the Metals Company, the firm that funded this research, are beginning to see these under-sea rocks as a solution to our energy problems. However, we must take into account the consequences mining the ocean floor will have on our already fragile and endangered environment.
- Maryam Malik
Sources:
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-discover-dark-oxygen-on-the-ocean-floor-generated-surprisingly-by-lumps-of-metal-180984778/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01480-8
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a61679456/scientists-find-dark-oxygen-deep-below-sea-level/
- https://www.statista.com/chart/31999/where-isa-contractors-for-deep-sea-mining-are-based/
- https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean/
*Disclaimer: This article has also been posted to our Medium. NernstNaK is the rightful owner of this work on both our website and Medium, and thus stresses that there has been no plagiarism or copying on either account.*