Deep sea potato-shaped rocks can produce oxygen in darkness

Researchers found that natural minerals at the bottom of the deep seabed might be able to produce oxygen without sunlight, hence the name “dark oxygen.” The findings could reshape our understanding of life’s origins on earth.

So, what has the study found?
A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that minerals called polymetallic nodules, which contain manganese and iron and are located at the ocean’s base, can generate oxygen through electrochemical activity that can separate oxygen and hydrogen from water (H2O), even in complete darkness.

The discovery challenges the traditional view that light is necessary to make oxygen through photosynthesis.

The research initially observed unusual oxygen readings from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone on the Pacific Ocean floor in 2013, believing it to be faulty equipment. Upon re-testing in 2021 and 2022, the team found that oxygen levels increased rather than decreased, suggesting an unexpected source.

The study raises concerns about the impact of mining activities on deep-sea ecosystems, as it may deplete the oxygen supply for creatures living on the ocean floor.

Deep-sea mining, already considered controversial, extracts minerals like copper, cobalt, nickel and magnesium from the potato-shaped nodules. These minerals are crucial for green technologies like electric batteries and solar panels.

However, further research is necessary to understand “dark oxygen” production.