Scientists have discovered “dark oxygen” being produced in the deep ocean, apparently by lumps of metal on the seafloor

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The discussion centers around a recent study suggesting that polymetallic nodules on the abyssal seafloor may play a significant role in producing dark oxygen in ocean environments. The research indicates that these nodules, which can have high voltage potentials up to 0.95 V on their surfaces, may facilitate seawater electrolysis, leading to increased oxygen levels. This mechanism is proposed as a potential explanation for the observed phenomena in marine ecosystems. The implications of this finding could be significant for understanding oceanic oxygen dynamics and the role of seabed minerals in biogeochemical processes.
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
geordief said:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c728ven2v9eo

and the other main news websites.

Does anyone have any idea what mechanisms could be involved?
There is an associated paper

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01480-8

From the abstract

"(increased O2) we attribute to the polymetallic ( polymetallic nodule-covered abyssal seafloor) nodules. Given high voltage potentials (up to 0.95 V) on nodule surfaces, we hypothesize that seawater electrolysis may contribute to this dark oxygen production."
 
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