Contributions to the discussion of novel detection of dark oxygen production at the abyssal seafloor

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Authors

Patrick Downes, Leigh Marsh, Joaquim Bento, Alexander Webber, Michael Clarke

Abstract

There is an overwhelming consensus between researchers based on a vast body of peer-reviewed literature that deep sea ecosystems constitute an oxygen sink. Specific studies on abyssal seafloor regions that contain polymetallic nodules have also confirmed this result. In contrast to this well-founded and longstanding paradigm, Sweetman et al. claim to provide evidence to support a hypothesis that polymetallic nodules abiotically produce oxygen in the deep sea. In response, we critique the methodology that the authors outline and present previously non-disclosed data and metadata directly related to the experiments they present. Furthermore, we highlight previously published data that Sweetman et al. include without citation and critical metadata that they omit. The data and metadata that Sweetman et al. omit significantly alters how one interprets the results and directly undermines their claims. Given these revelations, we suggest that the hypothesis that polymetallic nodules produce oxygen can be wholly rejected.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31223/X5WB0X

Subjects

Biogeochemistry, Earth Sciences

Keywords

Deep Sea Mining, Dark Oxygen, Nodules, Marine Minerals, Deep-sea mining, Dark Oxygen, Marine Minerals, Nodules, Clarion Clipperton Zone

Dates

Published: 2024-09-18 16:18

Last Updated: 2024-09-18 20:18

License

CC BY Attribution 4.0 International

Additional Metadata

Conflict of interest statement:
All authors are employed by The Metals Company. The Metals Company partly funded the study reported in Sweetman et al. (2024) through its subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI). NORI holds exploration rights to the NORI-D contract area in the CCZ and is regulated by the International Seabed Authority and sponsored by the Government of Nauru.

Data Availability (Reason not available):
To become available once uploaded to a data repository