In a seafloor surprise, metal-rich chunks may generate deep-sea oxygen
Metal-rich nodules on the seafloor are producing oxygen, challenging assumptions about deep-sea oxygen sources. This discovery could impact deep-sea ecosystems and calls for further research on its implications.
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Metal-rich nodules found on the seafloor are unexpectedly generating oxygen, potentially supporting deep-sea ecosystems in areas earmarked for mining. Previously, scientists believed deep-sea oxygen came from surface waters through photosynthesis or atmospheric diffusion. However, recent research indicates these nodules act as weak batteries, producing enough voltage to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about oxygen sources in the deep sea. The oxygen production seems to occur on the nodules' surfaces, benefiting organisms living on them. Deep-sea mining of these nodules could disrupt oxygen production, impacting surrounding ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand the broader implications of this newfound oxygen source. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, sheds light on a previously overlooked process in deep-sea environments, highlighting the complexity of these ecosystems and the potential consequences of human activities like mining.
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