Discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ and Its Implications for Deep-Sea Mining

Source- This post on the Discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ and Its Implications for Deep-Sea Mining has been created based on the article “Surprising ‘dark oxygen’ discovery could ensnarl deep-sea mining” published in “The hindu” on 29 July 2024.

Scientists have found an unknown process generating oxygen deep in the ocean, where sunlight does not reach and photosynthesis cannot occur. This discovery suggests the presence of new types of marine ecosystems.

Findings of the study

i) One explanation for this “dark oxygen” is that polymetallic nodules, which are lumps of iron, manganese, and other materials found on the ocean floor, might be creating electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen.

ii) These nodules are being considered for mining due to their high economic value.

iii) The oxygen discovery was made in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area off Mexico’s west coast with a high concentration of polymetallic nodules.

iv) The study found that oxygen levels increased at depths of 4 km, where sunlight cannot reach. This new oxygen source, termed ‘dark oxygen,’ is crucial for marine life survival but depends on the voltage generated by the nodules.

Concerns with Deep Sea Mining

Previous studies have shown that deep-sea mining can significantly harm marine ecosystems, and the new discovery of ‘dark oxygen’ adds to these concerns. The disturbances from mining could disrupt ecosystems that rely on this oxygen.

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