Northwestern University chemist Franz Geiger and an international team discovered 'dark oxygen' production in the deep Pacific Ocean.

This unique electrochemical process involves metal-containing nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

The discovery challenges the belief that only photosynthetic organisms generate Earth's oxygen, prompting a reevaluation of oxygen production and the origins of life.

Published in Nature Geoscience, the study highlights the nodules' potential to meet global energy demands, attracting mining interest.

Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems, particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

Researchers warn that these nodules are crucial for providing oxygen for deep-sea life.

The discovery of 'dark oxygen' and new animal species in the area necessitates further research on its implications for deep-sea ecosystems and global oxygen cycles.

The findings will help guide more accurate environmental regulations for deep-sea mining activities.