WEB DESK: The metal nodules on the deep seabed can generate oxygen in total darkness, challenging the long-held belief that oxygen is only produced through sunlight-driven photosynthesis. Scientists led by Prof. Andrew Sweetman plan to investigate the phenomenon further, with implications for both marine ecosystems and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The team’s initial findings, published in Nature Geoscience, suggest that these metallic lumps electrolyze seawater, splitting it into oxygen and hydrogen. The discovery has sparked global debate, with seabed mining companies and environmental groups closely monitoring the research due to its potential impact on marine life and resource extraction.
Prof Sweetman’s team aims to explore sites over 10 km deep using advanced submersible equipment. Collaborating with NASA, they will also study whether similar processes could sustain life beneath oceans on other planets or moons.
Seabed mining companies, which target these nodules for metals vital to battery production, have criticized the findings, citing insufficient experimental rigor. However, Prof. Sweetman remains confident in his team’s data and insists on further exploration before large-scale mining activities proceed.
“We need to fully understand the deep-sea ecosystem before making decisions that could have irreversible consequences,” said Prof Sweetman at a recent press conference.
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