Stable isotope geochemistry, geomicrobiology, astrobiology, marine biogeochmistry, paleoclimate. Microbial cycling of P, S, Fe and related elements (C, N ) in marine sediments, deep subseafloor biosphere, Archean/early-earth and extraterrestrial systems; evolution of the phosphorus cycle and reduced-P metabolism; phosphoenzyme reaction mechanisms; O-isotope paleoproxies and studies of oxyanion (e.g., SO4, PO4, AsO4, SeO4) reactions; microbe-mineral-carbon nanotube interactions
PhD, University of Michigan
Earth Materials & Human Health: EVST/F&ES/G&G 261a
Methods in Geomicrobiology: G&G 440/540a; EVST/F&ES 441a; MCDB 317a
Environmental Geomicrobiology: EVST265b; G&G 255b
Extremophilies: Life on the Edge (Undergraduate Seminar)
Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI)
Experimental Geochemisty Research
Geobiology Research
Phosphate Oxygen Isotope Studies
Stable isotope techniques are fundamental to many of the experimental studies being performed in our lab. Many experiments have been aimed at elucidating the underlying reaction mechanisms controlling the biogeochemical cycling of P, S, C and iron in a wide range of marine, terrestrial and extra-terrestrial (e.g., Mars) environments across the full span of geologic time. Recent experimental studies have focused on development of new applications of the oxygen isotope ratio of phosphate to: elucidate the specific reaction pathways and enzymatic mechanisms that control the marine P cycle; phosphate biomarkers for early Archean life and extraterrestrial systems; and to elucidate sources and reactions of reduced-P compounds and phosphonates.
Iron (III) oxides are ubiquitous in near-surface soils and sediments and interact strongly with phosphates via sorption, co-precipitation, mineral transformation and redox-cycling reactions. The biogeochemical cycling of phosphate includes several processes and reaction networks which can potentially affect both the concentration and isotopic composition of ortho-phosphate and organo-phosphate (e.g, phosphor-esters) species. Our current research focuses on experimental studies aimed at determining whether interactions between dissolved inorganic phosphate and solid iron-oxides involve fractionation of oxygen isotopes in PO4. For these objectives, we perform batch sorption experiments using synthetic ferrihydrite and isotopically- labeled dissolved ortho-phosphate at temperatures ranging from 4 to 95o C. Mineral transformations and morphological changes are determined by X-Ray, Möauer spectroscopy and SEM image analyses.
Additional ongoing research in phosphate stable isotope geochemistry includes the analysis of oxygen isotope ratios in phosphates from a range of natural materials including:
a) Phosphate sorbed to iron oxides comprising microbial mats at Loihi seamount, and oxidized hydrothermal plume particles at 9N East Pacific Rise; and
b) Biogenic apatite (fish debris) in Pelagic red clay sediments (LLGPC-3) from the midplate, midgyre region of the North Pacific.
ODP Leg 201 sites drilled in the Equatorial Pacific and offshore Peru comprise exquisite suites of well characterized and diverse marine sediments including: (1) carbonate and siliceous oozes of the equatorial Pacific, (2) clays and nanofossil-rich oozes of the Peru Basin, (3) organic-rich silty sediments of the shallow Peru shelf, and (4) a hydrate-rich deep-water sequence off the continental shelf of Peru. Our current research focuses on extraction of reactive phosphates from four sedimentary P reservoirs namely loosely sorbed, iron-oxide bound, authigenic and detrital phosphate. We are currently focusing on organic-rich sediments at Sites 1227 to 1230. Extracted reactive phosphates are being further analyzed for 18O:16O to better understand and infer the origin and diagenetic history of various P phases, as well the mechanisms of authigenic phosphate precipitation and post depositional microbial reactions occurring within the sediments.
The field of nano-geosciences has always been characterized by the convergence of many different disciplines such as geochemistry, modern molecular biology and engineering to fully understand the laws governing the formation, transformation, transport and retention of nano-particles in soil and sediments, as well as interactions with microorganisms and the impact on these interactions on soil ecology.
Our current research in nano-geochemistry focuses on the iron nano-minerals and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We focus on the formation of iron nanominerals during iron redox cycling. Research in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) focuses on the fate and transport of CNTs in soil and sediments, mechanisms of CNT interactions with microorganisms, and community level effects and ecological impact on soil microorganisms due to exposure to CNTs.
This research is being done in collaboration with the Menachem Elimelech Research Group in Environmental Engineering at Yale.
One area of study in the Blake lab focuses on the volcanic hot springs of the Lesser Antilles with a current emphasis on the Sulphur Springs of St. Lucia, West Indies. Geothermal springs in this part of the world have been poorly characterized compared to other similar environments such as Yellowstone National Park, Kamchatka, and Vulcano, Italy. Our research is aimed at understanding how geochemical variations between hot-spring pools may affect microbial diversity, and the role of microbes inhabiting these pools in elemental cycles.
We have completed studies of diversity of both bacteria and archaea at several sites using molecular biological techniques, and we have made progress on relating these results to our geochemical data from these sites. Our geochemical data show that at several pools across St. Lucia, several elements are found in very high concentrations, including boron, silicon, and iron, although concentrations of these elements vary widely between individual pools at the site. We are currently studying the effects of boron on microbial diversity. Boron concentrations at several pools at St. Lucia are among the highest concentrations measured anywhere in the world. Given the extremely high boron concentrations at some of our St. Lucia sites compared to similar sites, boron could be one element controlling microbial diversity.
From hot springs to cold environments, we are also studying bacteria that are able to grow at cold temperatures that many organisms cannot grow. We have isolated a bacterium from Arctic sea ice that is able to grow at 4ºC, which will be used in our DNA thermometry experiments.
Understanding the composition and function of microbial communities is one goal of geobiology. In the Blake lab, we are using molecular biological techniques to study microbes in geologically active environments.
In order to assess diversity of both domains bacteria and archaea at St. Lucia, we are studying 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences. The 16S rRNA gene serves as a stable marker used to fingerprint different bacterial types. Because many bacteria and archaea are as yet unculturable, this provides a more complete picture of microbial diversity. DNA is extracted from the total community, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify bacteria-specific and archaea-specific 16S rRNA genes. Genes from different species are separated by molecular cloning, and DNA is then sent for DNA sequencing. Sequences are then edited and searched against public databases for nearest sequence matches and phylogenetic trees are created to determine relationships of gene sequences to each other and to those already in databases. Diversity indexes used in ecology, including the Simpson’s index and the Shannon-Weiner Index, are calculated, and other statistical analyses are performed to determine correlations between microbial diversity and geochemical factors.
We also use molecular probes to target DNA sequences of certain microbial groups (such as bacteria vs. archaea, or more specific groups such as sulfate-reducing bacteria) to directly view and enumerate microbes in sediment or water samples, using a technique called Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH).
3. Isolation of bacteria from St. Lucia sites is also being carried out. Microbial enrichments from St. Lucia sediments have already been initiated using several different media to isolate microorganisms with a range of metabolic styles. Microorganisms have been isolated from these enrichments by plating several dilutions on the appropriate corresponding medium at the temperatures found at sampling sites.
Bacterial isolates are identified by DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of both bacteria and archaea. Isolates are being tested for their abilities to withstand high levels of boron and other elements based on their concentrations at each pool at St. Lucia.
The overarching goals of research are to:
(1) Characterize oxygen isotope fractionations in PO4 during biogeochemical cycling of P in natural environments (aquatic/marine sediments, hot springs, hydrothermal vents) at field, laboratory and cellular/molecular scales; and
(2) to develop new PO4 chemical purification methods and new applications for PO4 O isotope ratio analysies including d18OP as a: biomarker, tracer of biogeochemical P cycling, and signature of specific microbial/enzymatic activity.
So far, our research group has developed and carefully tested several new methods for the precise analysis of O isotope ratios in PO4 from a variety of different and challenging sample matrices including:
Martian meteorites (by ion microprobe-Greenwood, Blake and Coathe, 2003);
Seawater, freshwater and wastewater treatment plant effluent (Colman, 2002; Colman et al., 2005);
Organic-rich marine porewaters (Liang, 2005; Liang and Blake, 2005)
Different P fractions in marine sediments (ODP Leg 201–Jaisi and Blake 2010; Jaisi et al., 2011)
Organophosphorus compounds (Liang, 2005, Liang and Blake, 2006a, b, 2009)
Fe-oxide-bound PO4: in modern hydrotherma systems (Blake et al., 2001) and Archean BIFs and cherts (Blake et al., 2010)
DNA and other organic biomolecules (RNA, biomass) (Liang 2005; Liang and Blake, 2006a,b, 2009).
I have been deeply involved and invested over the past decade, in the development of now widely used PO4 O isotope ratio analysis techniques. This has included the development of new mass spectrometric methods (graphite reduction (O’Neil et al., 1994) and TC/EA methods (Colman et al., 2000; Vennemann et al., 2002)), extensive chemical extraction method development (described above), as well as the synthesis and calibration of silver phosphate O isotopic standards for PO4, which did not previously exist (Vennemann et al., 2002).
Another active area of research is the study of microbial S cycling in deep-sea sediments using S and O isotope ratios in sulfates with emphasis on Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 201:1/29-4/3/2002 (Blake et al., 2005; Boettcher et al., 2005). I sailed as a geochemist on Leg 201 and carried out nutrient analyses (NO3, PO4, NH4; D’Hondt e al., 2003, 2004). I have also participated in 2 research cruises (2002 and 2004) on the R/V Atlantis-DSV2 ALVIN to sites near 9 degrees N and 21 degrees N… EPR to study P-cycling in hydrothermal systems and to collect vent biota and Fe-oxide deposits to investigate Fe-oxide-PO4 interactions and the role of biota and Fe-oxidizing bacteria in imprinting biosignatures on PO4 delta O-18 values. I am also involved in a long-term field study of the geochemistry and microbiology of the Sulphur Springs Park volcanic hot spring site on St. Lucia (Cameron et al., 2002; Greenwood et al., 2002, 2005)which is a possible analogue for Mars.
Biogeochemical cycling of P in aquatic systems. (1) direct uptake of free Pi by diffusion, enzymes not required; (2) extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis of Porg to release Pi and Corg (2a) subsequent uptake of Pi derived form Porg facilitated by membrane-bound transport proteins; (3) intracellular Pi-water O isotope exchange catalyzed by various enzymes; (4) incorporation of Pi into Porg compounds in biomass (for example, RNA phospholipids); (5) release of intracellular Pi, Porg and enzymes* from cells during growth or following death/lysis; (6) Pi recycling via re-uptake of intracellularly cycled Pi; (7) recycling of Porg. Many of the pathways for P cycling involve enzyme catalysis.
The deep biosphere may be a final frontier for new discovery of life on Earth. The Ocean Drilling Program and Deep Sea Drilling Program, have produced a wealth of geochemical data that provided the first indication of the presence of an extensive microbial biosphere beneath the ocean floor. ODP Leg 201 made history as the first Leg devoted exclusively to determination of the extent, distribution, and intensity of microbial activity in deep-sea sediments. A highly integrated approach including: direct microbiological assays (e.g., cell counts, enrichments, molecular methods) to identify specific organisms present; measurement of sediment/lithologic properties; and analysis of pore fluid chemistry, was employed to produce the highest resolution biogeochemical and microbiological data set in ODP history. Porewater geochemical profiles showing distribution patterns and concentrations of key electron acceptors, nutrients, and metabolites in deep-sea sediments were critical to the identification of biologically-active zones and specific metabolic styles such as Mn /Fe reduction, and methane oxidation. The powerful combination of knowledge of pore fluid chemistry, sediment composition, microbial activity, and molecular-based identification provides important new insights and identification of direct links between microbial activity, lithologic properties, porewater chemistry, and sediment diagenesis. Dr. Blake is a biogeochemist who sailed on ODP Leg 201.
My objective was to sample the many different occurrences of Fe-oxide deposits for the purpose of analyzing the 18O/16O of phosphate adsorbed to these Fe-oxides. Fe-oxides are present on active and in-active vent chimney walls –which also harbor hyperthermophilic microbes; Fe-oxides encrusting weathered basalts, as well as markers and instruments deployed near vents
We also collected hydrothermal fluids, vent biota and bottom seawater samples and basalt for the analysis of 18O/16O of phosphate in these key P reservoirs
Ruth Blake’s laboratory is equipped for analytical geochemistry and microbiological research, including molecular biology, microscopy, and microbiological cultivation facilities. Analytical instruments include a Dionex 600 ion chromatograph for anion and cation analysis, a Beckman/Coulter DU 460 UV-Visible spectrophotomer, HACH field spectrophotometer, pH and specific-ion meters, macro and micro balances and water purification system (18 megaohm, pyrogen- and organic-free). Other equipment includes a Sorvall RC3B plus centrifuge, and an Aceglass UV photooxidation unit.
Molecular biology equipment includes a Laminar flow PCR hood equipped with an ultraviolet light for sample preparation, and a physically separate PCR product room with a Whatman Biometra T-gradient thermal cycler and gel electrophoresis equipment. A Bio-Rad gel imaging and documentation system is available in the Environmental Science Center, as well as a Sorvall Legend RT centrifuge with a 96-well microplate rotor.
DNA sequencing is available in the DNA Analysis Facility on Science Hill, located in the Environmental Science Center. Additionally, DNA sequencing is available at Yale University’s W. M. Keck Biotechnology Resource Laboratory >Microbiological culturing equipment in the Blake laboratory includes an autoclave, water baths, gassing station for anaerobic culturing, walk-in cold room, -80ºC and -30ºC freezers„ and 37, 50, 75, and 90ºC dry incubators.
Microscopy facilities include a dedicated darkroom with a Zeiss Axiovert epifluorescence and phase contrast microscope with digital camera, and a Nikon E200 phase contrast microscope.
Zeiss Epifluorescence scope
The Earth System Center for Stable Isotopic Studies maintains four stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers with a variety of off- and on-line sample preparation systems including a Thermo Delta Plus XP, under the supervision of Dr. Ruth Blake, with a dual inlet and continous flow capabilities, coupled to a ThermoFinnigan TC/EA and ConFlo III with CTC CombiPal autosampler for liquid samples and Costech Zero Blank autosampler for solids and routinely used for analysis of oxygen from phosphate, sulfate and water, as well as carbon and oxygen in carbonate minerals and dissolved inorganic carbon.
In 2009 we began an educational outreach initiative with Amistad America Inc., the owner and operator of the historic replica the Freedom Schooner Amistad. Together we created an educational outreach tool that engages local youth in science, community service and cultural exchange.
The Science, Culture & Community Internship (SCCI) is Amistad America’s interdisciplinary studies program that provides under-served and under-represented high school students with skill training opportunities, within the wide spectrum of the maritime sciences, including seamanship and navigation, marine biology, marine biogeochemistry & geomicrobiology, mechanics and engineering, environmental studies, environmental stewardship and cultural anthology.
The program offered 6 New Haven Public High School students a 6 month internship during the 2011-12 school year. Students were trained to conduct biogeochemical research for 3 months by Dr. Ruth Blake at Common Ground High School in New Haven in preparation for field studies. Intern training included: collection, preservation & storage of samples for lab-based isotopic and chemical analyses, and field-based geochemical measurements using portable spectrophotometers and other field instruments. Students also gained skills/experience in effective communication and presentation on these science-based activities to the general public.
During February break, the students and Prof. Blake traveled to the Dominican Republic to conduct field research, thereby coupling applied science field experience with a rich cultural history experience. At UNIBE, our partner university in Santo Domingo, the research team processed water samples collected from the Caribbean Sea and local rivers using laboratory facilities/equipment provided by UNIBE, then samples were then shipped back to Dr. Blake’s lab at Yale University in New Haven, CT for further analysis.
Once in the DR students stayed at the Amistad Center for Arts, Education and Research in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. The mission of the Center is to create a regional hub that offers language and cultural immersion programs and facilities to house such programming. The Center prides itself on understanding the needs of students and study abroad programs and its ability to synthesize international and domestic institutions and agencies to meet the needs of its clients and participants. The Amistad Center is one of the 20 oldest buildings in the hemisphere. It is about 20,000 square feet distributed in two floors, plus a large size court yard or atrium. The Center is complete with galleries, classroom space, sleeping accommodations and dining facilities.
The students gained a firsthand understanding of the historic crossroads of the transatlantic slave trade through a dynamic curriculum which included lectures, experiential activities and tours of the Colonial City. Santo Domingo’s Colonial City is 1.6 square kilometers. It houses some of the oldest buildings of the northern hemisphere and is a place of a number of firsts. It has the first University, first hospital, first grid design city and oldest cathedral of the Americas. It is the geographical epicenter where European, Indigenous and African cultures converged as part of the development of the transatlantic slave trade.
The interns led several service learning projects at a local cooperative farm in the Los Calabazos community, located 1.5 hours north of Santo Domingo. The Sonido Del Yaque Farm and Ecolodge is locally owned and operated by the New Hope Women’s Club. They believe in using the lodge as a way to improve the lives of their families and the community, and strive to promote renewable resource strategies locally and globally.
Sonido Del Yaque is completely “off the grid” using two essential renewable energy sources. The micro-hydroelectric plant harnesses the power of the Yaque River to help supply our guests with hot water from a clean energy source. The project also utilizes a system called a Biogas processor. Biogas is an alternative energy source derived predominantly from the break down of organic waste by bacteria and other microorganisms. This system provides gas for cooking and lighting, the latter through specially designed mantles. The Women’s Club organically farms the land and supports over 40 families in the area.
Upon returning home the students represented their school, Common Ground High School, at the United Nations in New York and also presented on their findings and experiences at their high school and to the general public at the Pecha Kucha event in New Haven in May 2012.
The students selected to be interns for the 2011-12 program were from Common Ground High School. A total of 21 students applied for the internship and 6 were selected with two alternates. The students were selected by both AAI staff and Common Ground staff. One teacher chaperone accompanied the students on the field excursion to the Dominican Republic and was the school liaison for the coordination of the internship.
Samantha O’Brien- Senior. Has graduated and was accepted to College of the Atlantic. She was inspired by the community service projects and feels the whole experienced opened her world up as well ass prepared her for college level science.
Lanissa Gardner-Junior. A tenacious task master, this experience gave her, her first out of country experience. She wants to be a teacher and says that, “Dr. Blake blew my mind with everything she knows and how she shares it.”
Jackie Failla-Junior. Fell in love with the Dominican Republic. Even though she struggled with the chemistry concepts first introduced she made quantum leaps by the end of the internship and says she would love to pursue field research.
Caleb Jackson- Sophmore. The youngest of the group, Caleb found the lab work to be most challenging and beneficial.
Alejandro Meran-Senior. A native of the Dominican Republic, Alejandro moved to the States when he was 7. He had not been back since. It was very special for him to arrive in his home country where we reunited with family and friends. He was accepted to U. of Connecticut (UCONN) and his pursuing chemistry.
Michael Bruno- Senior. Michael enjoyed the water collection and filtering process. His strong chemistry skills were helpful as he was able to tutor some of the other interns. Though he became very sea sick during the research cruise, he holds steady that that was his favorite part of the trip. He was also accepted to UCONN and will be focusing on biochemistry.
The mission of Amistad America Inc., is to teach the important lessons of history inherent in the Amistad incident of 1839. Amistad serves as an enduring symbol of unity and the human struggle for freedom. In shedding light on the facts of our collective history and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, Amistad America provides a peaceful means by which individuals and communities can learn together and address the issues of racism and intolerance with a positive goal of building bridges of mutual respect and understanding.
Sailing more than 14,000 miles retracing the infamous middle passage, the Amistad returned home in June 2008, furthering the cross Atlantic discussions of humanity and justice that the ship represents. The year long voyage was an epic journey commemorating victories for abolitionists on all sides of the Atlantic Ocean and the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Amistad crew and students worked with international agencies and organizations in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Europe, West Africa and the Caribbean in the recognition of the end of the trade and unity for communities separated by the African Diaspora.
During the transatlantic tour, the Amistad visited Halifax, Nova Scotia; London, Bristol, and Liverpool England; Lisbon, Portugal; Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Praia, Cape Verde. Freetown, Sierra Leone, the original West African homeland of many of the Amistad captives, was a symbolic “homecoming” and a profound experience as the crew, students and church organizations, non-governmental organizations and the governments of Britain, the United States and the United Nations worked together in a show of cooperation and celebration of justice and peace. The Atlantic Freedom Tour was endorsed by UNESCO’s Slave Trade Route Project; The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in New York City; the Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia; The Black Loyalist Society of Nova Scotia; and numerous other historians and scholars currently focused on the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
As part of its education mission, the Freedom Schooner Amistad paired with museums, schools and outreach programs to tell the history of the Amistad rebellion and trial as a victory for human rights. Through the Atlantic Freedom Tour, Amistad crew and educators share the history of the trade and highlight the significant way the legacy of that history reflects in today’s social, political and cultural character. Thousands of school children visited the ship and through more than 50 public ceremonies and sailing events during the tour more than a million people were able to join in the commemoration.
The 2007-2008 Atlantic Freedom Tour officially ended in the fall of 2008 with a Congressional ceremony in Washington/Baltimore.
The Amistad’s second year-long tour - the Caribbean Freedom Tour - began in the summer of 2009. The voyage included a return trip to Nova Scotia before heading south in the fall to visit Washington, D.C. and then to a handful of Caribbean countries all which have historical ties to the Atlantic Slave Trade.
In response to the earthquake that devastated Haiti in winter of 2010, AMISTAD Using the Sankofa program model pulled together a small pilot project conducted at the Amistad Center and aboard the Amistad Freedom Schooner in March of 2010. The Cross Cultural Center of Santo Domingo recruited students from Haiti and paired them with students from the Dominican Republic through a pilot project financially supported by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. After undergoing training in inter-cultural collaboration, the Dominican and Haitian students sailed together aboard the Amistad in a shortened version of the Amistad Sankofa Sail Program. Despite the short duration, the experience proved a profound one for the students and the eclectic American crew. It demonstrated the effectiveness of administering this program within the unique context of Dominican and Haitian relations, especially at this time of critical need for economic development and civic cooperation.
After timely and in depth governmental negotiations Freedom Schooner Amistad gained clearance to sail into Cuba as part of a 12 day cultural exchange tour. The ship arrived with a crew of 18, including 12 professional crew and five students and a professor from the University of Massachusetts – Boston, who joined the boat in the Bahamas a week prior for the sail to Cuba.
In both cities the ship was warmly greeted by scores of government and cultural officials, historians, writers, newborns, elders, dancers and drummers.. “When the keel was laid for this vessel back in 1998, the dream back then – and back then it was only a dream – was to one day bring this vessel to Cuba,” Captain Sean Bercaw said after the ship had been secured and just before the celebratory performance. “That dream has come true today.”
The highpoint of the tour was a planned “homecoming” arrival in Havana, Cuba - the very port the La Amistad captives left from in 1839. The Amistad marked the occasion on March 25th 2010, as an official part of the third annual UN International Slavery Remembrance Day. From the deck of the Amistad, the crew and students participated in a live international video simulcast, linking students from a dozen countries that have been visited by the schooner. Over 5,000 visitors saw and toured the ship during her stay in Cuba.
The Amistad departed the Caribbean in early April and sailed to Mystic, Connecticut to complete her voyage. The Caribbean Freedom tour was historical and exciting. The connections and youth feedback inspired the Amistad America to develop long term programming in the DR and Haiti.
The capture of the Cuban schooner, La Amistad, off the coast of Long Island in 1839 sparked a diplomatic showdown and national political drama that lasted for years, pitting the U.S. President against the Courts and threatening to bring America to war with Britain, Spain, and Cuba. At the heart of the case were 53 captives who had been kidnapped from Africa despite 30-year-old treaties that outlawed the importation of Africans for the purpose of slavery. The Africans were transported to Cuba aboard an outlawed Portuguese slave ship named the Tecora, “sold” in Havana, and brought aboard La Amistad to be delivered to a sugar plantation along the Cuban coast destined for a life of slavery.
But the captives successfully seized La Amistad soon after it left Cuba and for 63 days drifted up the East Coast before being captured off Montauk, Long Island and towed into New London, Connecticut. Word of the La Amistad’s arrival in New London quickly spread and rallied Black and White abolitionists then fighting slavery in America; the abolitionists proved the captives had been illegally kidnapped in Africa and won the first anti-slavery decision before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case arguably turned the tide against chattel slavery itself and some say was the first of shot of the American Civil War.
The Freedom Schooner Amistad transformed a ship of enslavement to a symbol of hope and monument to the pursuit of universal human freedom. Today the replica sails the world as a continuation of that symbol and as a floating classroom, reaching thousands of people every year. This 140-foot traditional wooden schooner was built at Mystic Seaport Museum and launched in 2000.
Biomineralization of Karst Cave deposits
(advisor Mark Pagani)
Biosynthetic hydrogen isotope fractionation of specific lipids for various eubacteria, protozoa, and archaea.
(advised by Dr. Ruth E. Blake)
Menachem Elimelech (Environmental Engineering)
Analysis of different P reservoirs in deep ocean sediments and soils, measurement of oxygen isotopes in different reactive phosphates; analysis of sorption/desorption of inorganic phosphate to iron-oxides; fate and mobility of carbon nanotubes in soil and sediments; community level impact on soil micro-organisms by deposited nano materials.
Microbiology of extreme environments; microbial community composition and relation to geochemistry at St. Lucia; interactions of microbial communities with toxic elements; microbial growth across temperature gradients.
Office Address: 345 KGL - Office, 219 KGL - Lab
Mailing address: PO Box 208109, New Haven CT 06520-8109
Street address: 210 Whitney Ave, New Haven CT 06511
† postdoctoral advisee, * student advisee
Zhao, M.†, Blake, R.E., Liang, Y.*, Dogru, D.*, Jaisi, D.P. †, Chang, S.J. † and Planavsky, N.J. (2021) Oxygen Isotopic Fingerprints On The Phosphorus Cycle Within the Deep Biosphere. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, .310: 169-186.
Ji, H., Chang, C., Beckford, H.O., Song, C. and Blake, R.E. (2021) New perspectives on lateritic weathering process over karst area – Geochemistry and Si-Li isotopic evidence. Catena, 198: 105022.
Chang, S.J.†, Blake, R.E. and Colman, A.S.* (2021) Biogeochemical cycling of phosphate: Insights from oxygen isotope exchange rate between phosphate and water catalyzed by inorganic pyrophosphatase. Earth and Planetary Sci. Lett., 570: 117071.
Zhang, Y*., Wang, F†., Hudson-Edwards, K.A., Blake, R.E., Zhao, F., Yuan, Z., and Gao, W., (2020) Characterization of Mining-related Aromatic Contaminants in Active and Abandoned Metal(loid) Tailings Ponds. Environmental Science and Technology, 54(23), 15097-15107, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03368
Lei, X-T*., Zhang, H*., Chen, M*., Guo, L., Zhang, X-G., Jiang, Z-H., Blake, R.E. and Chen, Z-G., (2020) The efficiency of sequential extraction of phosphorus in soil and sediment: insights from the oxygen isotope ratio of phosphate. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 20:1332––1343 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-019-02517-x
Xia, C.*, Wang, F. , Zhang, Y., Tang, X., Blake, R.E., Li, H.*, Chang, S.J. † and Yu, C.†, (2019) Mechanism of methylphosphonic acid photo-degradation: Based on phosphate oxygen isotopes and density function theory. Royal Society Advances, 9: 31325-31332. DOI:10.1039/c9ra05169d.
Wang, F†., Yu, C. , Li, H*., Chang, S.J.†, and Blake, R.E. (2019) Effect of microbial growth rate on temperature and metabolic water recorded in 18O/16O ratios of PO4 in DNA. Chemical Geology.533: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2019.119439
Yu, C†., Li, H*., Wang, F†., Chang, S.J. †, Yao, J. and Blake, R.E. (2018) Phosphate oxygen isotope evidence for methylphosphonate sources of methane and dissolved inorganic phosphate. Science of the Total Environment, 644: 747-753. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.382. Epub 2018 Jul 11.
Zhao-Hua Jiang1, Han Zhang3, Deb P. Jaisi†, Ruth E. Blake, Ai-Rong Zheng1, Min Che1, An-Guo Peng, Xi-Guang Zhang, Chang-Shi Qi, Xue-Tie Lei, Kai-Qiang Kang, Zhi-Gang Chen (2017). The effect of sample treatment on the oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate pools in soils. Chemical Geology, 474: 9-16.
† postdoctoral advisee, * student advisee
Zhao, M.†, Blake, R.E., Liang, Y.*, Dogru, D.*, Jaisi, D.P. †, Chang, S.J. † and Planavsky, N.J. (2021) Oxygen Isotopic Fingerprints On The Phosphorus Cycle Within the Deep Biosphere. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, .310: 169-186.
Ji, H., Chang, C., Beckford, H.O., Song, C. and Blake, R.E. (2021) New perspectives on lateritic weathering process over karst area – Geochemistry and Si-Li isotopic evidence. Catena, 198: 105022.
Chang, S.J.†, Blake, R.E. and Colman, A.S.* (2021) Biogeochemical cycling of phosphate: Insights from oxygen isotope exchange rate between phosphate and water catalyzed by inorganic pyrophosphatase. Earth and Planetary Sci. Lett., 570: 117071.
Zhang, Y*., Wang, F†., Hudson-Edwards, K.A., Blake, R.E., Zhao, F., Yuan, Z., and Gao, W., (2020) Characterization of Mining-related Aromatic Contaminants in Active and Abandoned Metal(loid) Tailings Ponds. Environmental Science and Technology, 54(23), 15097-15107, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03368
Lei, X-T*., Zhang, H*., Chen, M*., Guo, L., Zhang, X-G., Jiang, Z-H., Blake, R.E. and Chen, Z-G., (2020) The efficiency of sequential extraction of phosphorus in soil and sediment: insights from the oxygen isotope ratio of phosphate. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 20:1332––1343.
Xia, C.*, Wang, F. , Zhang, Y., Tang, X., Blake, R.E., Li, H.*, Chang, S.J. † and Yu, C.†, (2019) Mechanism of methylphosphonic acid photo-degradation: Based on phosphate oxygen isotopes and density function theory. Royal Society Advances, 9: 31325-31332. DOI:10.1039/c9ra05169d.
Wang, F†., Yu, C. , Li, H*., Chang, S.J.†, and Blake, R.E. (2019) Effect of microbial growth rate on temperature and metabolic water recorded in 18O/16O ratios of PO4 in DNA. Chemical Geology.
Yu, C†., Li, H*., Wang, F†., Chang, S.J. †, Yao, J. and Blake, R.E. (2018) Phosphate oxygen isotope evidence for methylphosphonate sources of methane and dissolved inorganic phosphate. Science of the Total Environment, 644: 747-753. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.382. Epub 2018 Jul 11.
Zhao-Hua Jiang1, Han Zhang3, Deb P. Jaisi†, Ruth E. Blake, Ai-Rong Zheng1, Min Che1, An-Guo Peng, Xi-Guang Zhang, Chang-Shi Qi, Xue-Tie Lei, Kai-Qiang Kang, Zhi-Gang Chen (2017). The effect of sample treatment on the oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate pools in soils. Chemical Geology, 474: 9-16.
Blake, R.E., Surkov, A.V. †, Stout, L.M. †, Li, H.*, Chang, S.J. †, Jaisi, D.P. †, Colman, A.S. *, and Liang, Y.* (2016) DNA Thermometry: New Information from “the Information Molecule” and a Universal Biothermometer in the PO4 Backbone of DNA. Am. J. of Science, 316:9, 813-838.
Chang, S.J. and Blake, R.E. (2015) Oxygen isotope studies of phosphite (PO3) oxidation: Purification and analysis of reactants and products by high-temperature conversion elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Rapid Communication in Mass Spectrometry, 29: 21, 2039—2044.
Cormier, M.H., Blake, R., Coleman, D., Guerrier, K., Saintilus, N., Wagner, J. and Auscavitch, S. (2015) Exploration of the Windward Passage and Jamaica Channel: Tectonic Gateways to the Caribbean Sea, Oceanography, 27:1, p. 38-39.
Steven Carey, Katherine L.C. Bell, Robert D. Ballard, Christopher Roman, Frederic Dondin, Patricia Miloslavich, Judith Gobin, Brad Seibel, Richard Bell, Clara Smart, Sarah A. Fuller, Nam Siu, Patrick Connally, Ruth Blake, Karen Wishner, and Brennan T. Phillips (2014) Fluid/Gas Venting and Biological Communities at Kick’em Jenny Submarine Volcano, Grenada (West Indies) Oceanography Journal.
Yu, C. †, Yao, J., Cai, M., Wang, F., Masakorala, K., Liu, H., Blake, R.E., Doni, S., Brunello Ceccanti, B., (2013) Functional gene expression of oil-degrading bacteria resistant to hexadecane toxicity. Chemosphere, 93, 1424-1429.
Sandy, E.H†., Blake, R.E., Chang, S.J., Yao, J., Yub C (2013) Oxygen isotope signature of UV degradation of glyphosate and phosphonoacetate: Tracing sources and cycling of phosphonates. J. Hazard. Mat. 260: 947– 954
Larese-Casanova, P†. and Blake, R.E. (2013) Measurements of d18O values in arsenic and selenium oxyanions. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 27, 117-126.
Guo, H., Yao, J., Chen, H., Wang, J., Masakorala, K., Jin, Y., Richnow, H.H. and Blake, R.E., (2012) Substrate interactions during biodegradation of benzene/alkylbenzene mixtures by Rhodococcus sp. ustb-1. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 75, 124-130.
Qian,Y., Yao, J., Cai, M. Qian, Y. Guo, Y., Richnow, H.H., Blake, R.E., Doni, S. and Ceccanti, B. (2012) Effects of petroleum contamination on soil microbial numbers, metabolic activity and urease activity. Chemosphere, 87, 1273-80.
Wang, J., Wang, F., Yao, J., Guo, H., Blake, R.E., Choi, M.M.F., and Song, C. (2012) Effect of pH and Temperature on Adsorption of Dimethyl Phthalate on Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Phase. Analytical Letters, 46, 379 – 393.
Guo, H., Yao, J., Cai, M., Qian, Y., Guo, Y., Richnow, H.H. , Blake, R.E., Doni, S., and Ceccanti, B. (2011—submitted) Investigation of the microbial activity in long-term petroleum contaminated soils by a combination of methods. Journal of Hazardous Materials
Qian,Y. Yao, J., Chen, K., Li, Z., Zhuang, R., Li, H., Zhu, Q., Song, Y. , Richnow, H.H. and Blake, R.E. (2011—submitted) Medium-term impact of oxide nanoparticles on soil microbial community and enzyme activity by combined methods. Science of the Total Environment.
Jaisi, D.P.†, Kukkadapu, R.K., Stout, L.M., † Varga, T., and Blake, R.E. (2011) Biotic and Abiotic Pathways of Phosphorus Cycling in Minerals and Sediments: Insights from Oxygen Isotope Ratios in Phosphate. Environmental Science & Technology, 45, 6254–6261. doi.org/10.1021/es200456e. |
Blake, R.E., Chang, S.J., Lepland, A. (2010) Phosphate oxygen isotopic evidence for a temperate and biologically active Archaean ocean. Nature, 464, 1029-1032.
Jaisi, D.P., Blake, R.E., Kukkadapu, R. (2010) Fractionation of oxygen isotopes in phosphate during its sorption/desorption to iron oxides. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 74, 1309-1319.
Jaisi, D.P., Blake, R.E. (2010) Tracing sources and cycling of phosphorus in Peru Margin sediments using oxygen isotopes in authigenic and detrital phosphates. Geochimica et Cosmochima Acta, 74, 3199-3212. DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2010.02.030.
Chang, S. J., Blake, R. E., Stout, L. M. and Kim, S. J. (2010) Oxygen isotope, micro-textural and molecular evidence for the role of microorganisms in formation of hydroxylapatite in limestone caves, South Korea. Chemical Geology, v. 276: 209-224.
Liang, Y*. and Blake, R.E. (2009) Compound- and Enzyme-specific Phosphate Hydrolysis Mechanisms Revealed by d18O of Dissolved Phosphate. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 73, 3782-3794.
Stout, L.M†., Blake, R.E., Greenwood, J.P†., Martini, A.M. and Rose, E.C.*(2009). Microbial diversity of boron-rich volcanic hot springs of St. Lucia, Lesser Antilles FEMS Microbiology Ecology 70, 402-412.
Jaisi, D.P†., Saleh, N.B., Blake, R.E. and Elimelech, M. (2008) Transport of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Porous Media: Filtration Mechanisms and Reversibility. Environmental Science and Technology, 42: 8317-8323.
Liang, Y*., and Blake, R.E. (2007) Oxygen isotope fractionation between apatite and dissolved aqueous phosphate: 20-45 °C. Chemical Geology, v. 238: 121-133.
Greenwood, J.P†. and Blake, R.E. (2006) Evidence for an acidic ocean on Mars from phosphorus geochemistry of Martian soils and rocks. Geology, 34: 953-956.
Liang, Y*. and Blake, R.E. (2006b) Oxygen isotope signature of Pi regeneration from organic compounds by phosphomonoesterases and photooxidation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70, 3957-3969.
Liang, Y*., and Blake, R.E. (2006a) Oxygen isotope composition of phosphate in organic compounds: Isotope effects of extraction methods. Organic Geochemistry, 37, 1263-1277.
Blake, R.E., Surkov, A.V†., Böttcher, M.E., Ferdelman, T.G., and Jørgensen, B.B. (2006) Oxygen isotope composition of dissolved sulfate in deep-sea sediments: Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean. In Jørgensen, B.B., D’Hondt, S.L., Miller, D.J. (Eds.) Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, 201: College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program), p. 1-24.
Böttcher, M.E., Ferdelman, T.G., Jørgensen, B.B., Blake, R.E., Surkov, A.V† and Claypool, G.E. (2006) Sulfur isotope fractionation by the deep biosphere within sediments of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific and Peru Margin sediments. In Jørgensen, B.B., D’Hondt, S.L., Miller, D.J. (Eds.) Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, 201: College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program), p. 365–373.
Wheeler, J.C., Szostak, J.W., Benner, S.A., Berry, J.A., Blake, R.E., Calvin, W.M., Daly, M.J., Freeman, K.H., Gogarten, J.P., Kasting, J.F., Keefe, A., Keller, M., Pizzarello, A., Siefert, J.L., Summons, R., Woolf, N.J. and Ziurys, L.M. (2005) The Astrophysical Context of Life, Committee on the Origin and Evolution of Life, National Research Council, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 94p. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11316.html
Blake, R.E., O’Neil, J.R. and Surkov, A.V†. (2005) Biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus: insights from oxygen isotope effects of phosphoenzymes. American Journal of Science, v. 305: 596-620.
Colman, A.*, Blake, R.E., Karl, D.M., Fogel, M.L. and Turekian, K.K., (2005) Marine phosphate oxygen isotopes and organic matter remineralization in the oceans. Proc. of the Nat’l Academy of Sciences, v. 102: 13023-13028.
D’Hondt, S., Jørgensen, B.B., Miller, D.J., Batzke, A., Blake, R. E….. and Ocean Drilling Program Leg 201 Shipboard Scientifc Party (2004) Distribution of Microbial activities in deep subseafloor sediments. Science, 306: 2216-2221.
Greenwood, J.P†., Blake, R.E. and Coath, C.D. (2003) Ion microprobe measurements of 18O/16O ratios of phosphate minerals in the Martian meteorites ALH84001 and Los Angeles. Geochimica et Cosmochimica. Acta, v. 67: 2289-2298.
Vennemann, T.W., Fricke, H.C., Blake, R.E. , O’Neil, J.R. and Colman, A.* (2002) Oxygen isotope analysis of phosphates: A comparison of techniques for analyses of Ag3PO4. Chemical Geology, v.185: 321-336.
Blake, R. E, Alt, J.C. and Martini, A.M. (2001) Oxygen isotope ratios of PO4: an inorganic indicator of enzymatic activity and P metabolism and a new biomarker in the search for life. Proc. of the Nat’l Academy of Sciences, Astrobiology Special Feature, v. 98: 2148-2153.
Ku, T.C.W., Walter, L.M., Coleman, M.L., Blake, R.E. and Martini, A.M. (1999) Coupling between sulfur recycling and syndepositional carbonate dissolution: Evidence from oxygen and sulfur isotope composition of pore water sulfate, South Florida Platform, U.S.A. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63: 2529-2546.
Blake, R.E. and Walter, L.M. (1999) Kinetics of feldspar and quartz dissolution at 70-80°C and near-neutral pH: Effects of organic acids and NaCl. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63: 2043-2059.
Blake, R.E., O’Neil, J.R. and Garcia, G.A. (1998) Effects of microbial activity on the d18Op of dissolved inorganic phosphate and textural features of synthetic apatites. American Mineralogist, v. 83: 1516-1531.
Blake, R.E., O’Neil, J.R. and Garcia, G.A. (1997) Oxygen isotope systematics of microbially mediated reactions of phosphate I.: Microbial degradation of organophosphorus compounds. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 61: 4411-4422.