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Mysterious phenomenon challenges knowledge about oxygen production in the deep sea and could reveal secrets about the origins of life
In a surprising discovery, scientists have identified the production of “black oxygen” at the bottom of the sea, defying everything we knew about need for sunlight to generate oxygen. This phenomenon, which initially seemed like an equipment error, now opens up new perspectives for science and technology, according to cnnbrasil.
The unexpected discovery
The phenomenon was first observed in 2013, when ocean scientist Andrew Sweetman, on board a ship in Pacific Ocean, noticed sensor readings indicating the production of oxygen at 4 thousand meters deep. Unbelievable, Sweetman initially suspected a defect in the sensors. “I basically told my students, just put the sensors back in the box. Let’s send them back to the manufacturer and test them because they’re giving us nothing but bullshit,” reported Sweetman.
After several trips and rigorous testing, it was clear that the sensors were correct. Oxygen was actually being produced in a region known as Clarion-Clipperton Zone, without any presence of sunlight, a phenomenon hitherto unexplained by science.
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The mysterious production of oxygen
Photosynthetic organisms, such as plants and algae, use sunlight to produce oxygen, which then disperses throughout the depths of the sea. However, previous studies have always shown that the oxygen is only consumed, not produced, in the ocean depths. Sweetman's team, however, observed otherwise: oxygen was being generated without photosynthesis.
“You get wary when you see something that goes against what should be happening,” Sweetman said. With this discovery, the traditional paradigm about the oxygen cycle at the bottom of the sea began to be challenged, raising new questions about the biological and chemical processes in the deep sea.
Natural geobatteries
The most plausible explanation for the production of black oxygen came when Sweetman and the electrochemist Franz Geiger investigated the possibility of processes electrochemicals. They discovered that the polymetallic nodules present at the bottom of the sea could be acting as “geobatteries”. These nodules, rich in metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper, could generate enough electrical currents to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.
“It appears that we have discovered a natural 'geobattery'”, Geiger said. This seawater electrolysis phenomenon could be occurring due to the electrochemical interactions of the metals contained in the nodules, creating a new, previously unknown source of oxygen.
Implications and future of underwater mining
The discovery of black oxygen raises important questions about deep-ocean exploration. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, rich in polymetallic nodules, is at the center of economic interest due to the demand for metals used in green technologiesas the electric car batteries and solar panels. However, deep sea mining can have significant environmental impacts.
Sweetman and Geiger warn of the need for more scientific oversight before allowing mineral exploration in these areas. “Deep-ocean faunal diversity in nodule-rich areas is greater than in the more diverse tropical forests.”, explained Geiger, emphasizing the importance of protecting these vulnerable ecosystems.
The discovery could also offer new clues about the origins of life on Earth, as the electrolysis of seawater under abysmal conditions could have played a crucial role in the emergence of life. “I hope this is the start of something amazing,” concluded Sweetman.
Secrets at the bottom of the ocean
The depths of the ocean still hold many secrets, and the discovery of black oxygen is a reminder of how much we still have to learn about our planet. With each new discovery, science and technology advance, offering new possibilities and challenging old paradigms. Responsible exploration and protection of these ecosystems will be crucial to ensuring we continue to unlock the mysteries of the deep sea.
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