Nice if true: A workforce of researchers led by Andrew Sweetman made the serendipitous discovery final yr that metallic rocks on the backside of the ocean are producing oxygen. Now, the identical workforce seeks to substantiate that discovery and eventually put an finish to a rising controversy within the scientific neighborhood.
Professor Andrew Sweetman and his colleagues got down to measure seafloor respiration, however as an alternative stumbled upon a hidden ecosystem able to producing oxygen. Essentially the most essential aspect for all times on Earth is normally generated by way of photosynthesis, a course of that requires crops and daylight. Nonetheless, the “darkish oxygen” found by Sweetman’s workforce works with out both. Scientists are nonetheless debating whether or not this “stunning” discovering is because of a real phenomenon or is solely the results of defective gear or measurement errors.
Sweetman is now spearheading a brand new analysis mission to confirm the invention of darkish oxygen, with three expeditions deliberate to carefully examine the metallic nodules that function pure “geobatteries.” The hassle faces vital challenges, together with skepticism from the scientific neighborhood and opposition from mining firms with vested pursuits within the seafloor.
Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Firm, expressed doubt in regards to the findings, stating that no “credible scientist” has discovered proof of darkish oxygen manufacturing utilizing the identical strategies employed by Sweetman’s workforce. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. We’re nonetheless ready,” Barron saying.
Barron’s firm funded the analysis that led to the invention of darkish oxygen, however is now working to discredit Sweetman’s findings. The mining firm’s primary curiosity lies in exploiting steel nodules to extract uncooked supplies. Because the world transitions to environmentally pleasant vitality sources, demand for these valuable metals is anticipated to extend. A doubtlessly groundbreaking discovery like anaerobic oxygen manufacturing might symbolize a serious impediment to those mining efforts.
Sweetman has additionally confronted criticism from different scientists. Nature Geoscience, the scientific journal that printed his work in 2024, might even resolve to retract it.
Sweetman described the media storm surrounding the invention as life-changing, noting that it has been “extraordinarily exhausting” to navigate. Regardless of the challenges, the scientist is dedicated to offering definitive proof that the manufacturing of darkish oxygen on the backside of the ocean is a authentic phenomenon.
The primary expedition is scheduled to depart from San Diego in January 2026. The analysis workforce will use a $2.4 million grant from the Nippon Basis and deploy customized probes designed to function at 12,000 meters under sea degree. These probes will collect new information, amassing water and sediment samples from the seafloor in an effort to substantiate the darkish oxygen idea as soon as and for all.