Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Oxygen
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Ynetnews
A study published in Nature Geosciences reveals that metal nodules on the ocean floor release oxygen, challenging the belief that deep-sea oxygen solely originates from surface sources. These nodules, rich in metals like manganese, function like batteries, breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen. This "dark oxygen" supports deep-sea ecosystems and raises concerns about the environmental impact of mining these nodules for rare metals. The findings prompt a reevaluation of oxygen production processes and the origins of life on Earth.