Dr Ernest Chi Fru

(e/fe)

2026

• El Khoury, A. et al., 2026. Reevaluating the nutrient timeline: Francevillian basin geochemistry reveals early permissive conditions for eukaryotic life. Precambrian Research 438 108064. (10.1016/j.precamres.2026.108064)

2025

• Wei, M. et al., 2025. The multiple stages of regional Triassic crustal reworking in eastern Tianshan, NW China: Evidence from the Xigebi area. Minerals 15 (8) 829. (10.3390/min15080829)
• Yang, X. et al., 2025. Geochronology, geochemistry, and geological implications of the Early Paleozoic Penggongmiao granite batholith in the western part of Cathaysia block, Hunan Province, South China. Geochemistry International 63 , pp.562-578. (10.1134/S0016702924601700)
• Chupryna, A. et al., 2025. Strong interplays between eustacy, nitrogen dynamic, and biodiversification between the Ediacaran and Silurian interval. Comptes Rendus Géoscience 357 , pp.201-223. (10.5802/crgeos.296)
• El Khoury, A. et al., 2025. Pyrite morphology and sulfur isotopes refine taphonomic models for the 2.1 Ga Francevillian biota, Gabon. Scientific Reports 15 (1) 19790. (10.1038/s41598-025-04512-4)
• El Khoury, A. et al., 2025. A battle against arsenic toxicity by Earth’s earliest complex life forms. Nature Communications 16 (1) 4388. (10.1038/s41467-025-59760-9)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2025. Iron-rich microband formation in marine sediments by hydrothermal iron cycling bacteria at Lucky Strike. Communications Earth & Environment 6 338. (10.1038/s43247-025-02223-2)

2024

• Ghnahalla, M. et al., 2024. Marine Fe cycling linked to dynamic redox variability, biological activity and post-depositional mineralization in the 1.1 Ga Mesoproterozoic Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania. Gondwana Research 136 , pp.33-52. (10.1016/j.gr.2024.08.012)
• Yang, B. et al., 2024. Late Paleozoic tectonics of the NW Tarim Block: Insights from zircon geochronology and geochemistry in Xinjiang, China. Minerals 14 (12) 1288. (10.3390/min14121288)
• Monteiro, M. et al., 2024. Critical Notes on Co-production: Empirical Analyses on Sustainable Mining Co-design in Northern Brazil. In: Greco, C. ed. Politics and Practices of the Ethnographies of Biomedicine and STEM. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham(10.1007/978-3-031-65797-9_6)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2024. Deciphering the U-Pb dates of sedimentary phosphates: A complex example from the Upper Cretaceous-Lower Paleogene series in northwestern Morocco. Chemical Geology 661 122178. (10.1016/j.chemgeo.2024.122178)
• Al Bahri, J. et al. 2024. Clay mineral geochemistry and paleoenvironmental reconstruction across the Cryogenian Sturtian Snowball glaciation. Precambrian Research 410 107498. (10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107498)
• Wei, Y. et al., 2024. The early Neoproterozoic Andean-Type Orogenic and Within-Plate Magmatic events in the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton during the convergence of the Rodinia Supercontinent. Minerals 14 (8) 820. (10.3390/min14080820)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2024. Hydrothermal seawater eutrophication triggered local macrobiological experimentation in the 2100 Ma Paleoproterozoic Francevillian sub-basin. Precambrian Research 409 107453. (10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107453)
• Li, H. et al., 2024. A Neoproterozoic appinite rock suite records the early tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the Yangtze Block during convergence with Rodinia. Precambrian Research 409 107448. (10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107448)
• Hamida, D. et al., 2024. Mechanism of formation, mineralogy and geochemistry of the ooidal ironstone of Djebel Had, Northeast Algeria. Presented at: EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition Oslo, Norway 10-13 June 2024. Proceedings of 85th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition. EAGE Publishing. , pp.1-5. (10.3997/2214-4609.202410967)
• Yu, Y. et al., 2024. A brief history of metal recruitment in protozoan predation. Trends in Microbiology 32 (5), pp.465-476. (10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.008)
• Anand, P. et al., 2024. You can't climb a broken ladder: Examining underrepresentation of multiply-disadvantaged groups in secure and senior roles in UK geochemistry. Earth Science, Systems and Society 4 10098. (10.3389/esss.2024.10098)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2024. Phosphate δ13Corg chemostratigraphy from the Gantour basin, Morocco: A proof of concept from the K–Pg transition to mid-Thanetian. Chemical Geology 644 121861. (10.1016/j.chemgeo.2023.121861)
• Zhou, W. et al., 2024. Oceanic subduction to continental collision in the NE Proto-Tethys revealed by early Paleozoic eclogites with high-temperature granulite-facies overprinting in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, northern Tibet. GSA Bulletin 136 (1-2), pp.619-636. (10.1130/B36718.1)

2023

• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2023. Transient fertilization of a post-Sturtian Snowball ocean margin with dissolved phosphate by clay minerals. Nature Communications 14 (1) 8418. (10.1038/s41467-023-44240-9)
• El Albani, A. et al., 2023. A search for life in Palaeoproterozoic marine sediments using Zn isotopes and geochemistry. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 612 118169. (10.1016/j.epsl.2023.118169)
• Chraiki, I. et al., 2023. Blooming of a microbial community in an Ediacaran extreme volcanic lake system. Scientific Reports 13 9080. (10.1038/s41598-023-36031-5)

2022

• Zhou, H. et al., 2022. Mesoarchean banded iron-formation from the northern Yangtze Craton, South China and its geological and paleoenvironmental implications. Precambrian Research 383 106905. (10.1016/j.precamres.2022.106905)
• Zhou, H. et al., 2022. Geochronology and petrogenesis of the early Silurian Zeluo mafic-ultramafic intrusion, eastern Tibet: implications for the tectonic setting and evolution of the eastern Proto-Tethys Ocean. International Geology Review (10.1080/00206814.2022.2151050)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2022. Geodynamic seawater-sediment porewater evolution of the east central Atlantic Paleogene ocean margin revealed by U-Pb dating of sedimentary phosphates. Frontiers in Earth Science 10 997008. (10.3389/feart.2022.997008)
• dos Santos, F. H. et al., 2022. Paleoproterozoic manganese oxide precipitation in oxic seawater surface and reductive enrichment in anoxic seafloor. Chemical Geology 588 120655. (10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120655)

2021

• dos Santos, F. H. et al., 2021. Unraveling sedimentary precursors and metal enrichment of high-grade metamorphosed manganese-rich rocks from the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil. Ore Geology Reviews 137 104283. (10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104283)
• Li, Y. P. et al., 2021. Antimicrobial activity of metals and metalloids. Annual Review of Microbiology 75 , pp.175-197. (10.1146/annurev-micro-032921-123231)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2021. Early Neoproterozoic oxygenation dynamics along the northern margin of the West African Craton, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Chemical Geology 581 120404. (10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120404)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2021. Benthic redox conditions and nutrient dynamics in the ca. 2.1 Ga Franceville sub-basin. Precambrian Research 360 106234. (10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106234)
• Chraiki, I. et al., 2021. A 571 million-year-old alkaline volcanic lake photosynthesizing microbial community, the Anti-atlas, Morocco. Geobiology 19 (2), pp.105-124. (10.1111/gbi.12425)

2020

• Fantong, W. Y. et al., 2020. Compositions and mobility of major, dD, d18O, trace, and REEs patterns in water sources at Benue River Basin-Cameroon: Implications for recharge mechanisms, geoenvironmental. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 42 , pp.2975-3013. (10.1007/s10653-020-00539-w)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2020. Trace element perspective into the ca. 2.1-billion-year-old shallow-marine microbial mats from the Francevillian Group, Gabon. Chemical Geology 543 119620. (10.1016/j.chemgeo.2020.119620)
• Kilias, S. P. et al., 2020. Precipitation of Mn oxides in quaternary microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS), Cape Vani paleo-hydrothermal vent field, Milos, Greece. Minerals 10 (6) 536. (10.3390/min10060536)
• Diab, H. et al., 2020. Mechanism of formation, mineralogy and geochemistry of the ooidal ironstone of Djebel Had, northeast Algeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences 162 103736. (10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.103736)

2019

• Ivarsson, M. et al., 2019. Exceptional preservation of fungi as H2-bearing fluid inclusions in an early quaternary paleo-hydrothermal system at Cape Vani, Milos, Greece. Minerals 9 (12) 749. (10.3390/min9120749)
• Chi Fru, E. 2019. Copper isotopes. In: Gargaud, M. et al., Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Berlin, Germany: Springer(10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_5398-1)
• El Albani, A. et al., 2019. Organism motility in an oxygenated shallow-marine environment 2.1 billion years ago. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116 (9), pp.3431-3436. (10.1073/pnas.1815721116)
• Fantong, W. Y. et al., 2019. Major ions, δ18O, δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr compositions of water and precipitates from springs along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (Cameroon, West Africa): Implications for provenance and volcanic hazards. Journal of African Earth Sciences 150 , pp.12-22. (10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.09.025)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2019. The rise of oxygen-driven arsenic cycling at ca. 2.48 Ga. Geology 47 (3), pp.243-246. (10.1130/G45676.1)
• Fantong, W. Y. et al., 2019. Defluoridation of fluoride-rich groundwater in Mayo Tsanaga River Basin-Cameroon using locally produced bone char. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences 15 (1), pp.11-24. (10.4314/jcas.v15i1.2)

2018

• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2018. Arsenic and high affinity phosphate uptake gene distribution in shallow submarine hydrothermal sediments. Biogeochemistry 141 (18), pp.41-62. (10.1007/s10533-018-0500-8)
• Aubineau, J. et al., 2018. Unusual microbial mat-related structural diversity 2.1 billion years ago and implications for the Francevillian biota. Geobiology 16 (5), pp.476-497. (10.1111/gbi.12296)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2018. Sedimentary mechanisms of a modern banded iron formation on Milos Island, Greece. Solid Earth 8 (10.5194/se-2017-113)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2018. Sedimentary mechanisms of a modern banded iron formation on Milos Island, Greece. Solid Earth 9 (3), pp.573-598. (10.5194/se-9-573-2018)
• Hemmingsson, C. , Pitcairn, I. and Chi Fru, E. 2018. Evaluation of uptake mechanisms of phosphate by Fe(III)(oxyhydr)oxides in Early Proterozoic oceanic conditions. Environmental Chemistry 15 (2), pp.18-28. (10.1071/EN17124)

2017

• Callac, N. et al., 2017. Modes of carbon fixation in an arsenic and CO2-rich shallow hydrothermal ecosystem. Scientific Reports 7 14708. (10.1038/s41598-017-13910-2)
• Bonaglia, S. et al., 2017. Methane fluxes from coastal sediments are enhanced by macrofauna. Scientific Reports 7 13145. (10.1038/s41598-017-13263-w)

2016

• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2016. Atmospheric weathering of Scandinavian alum shales and the fractionation of C, N and S isotopes. Applied Geochemistry 74 , pp.94-108. (10.1016/j.apgeochem.2016.09.006)
• Yamoah, K. A. et al., 2016. A 150-year record of phytoplankton community succession controlled by hydroclimatic variability in a tropical lake. Biogeosciences 13 (13), pp.3971-3980. (10.5194/bg-13-3971-2016)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2016. Cu isotopes in marine black shales record the Great Oxidation Event. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 113 (18), pp.4941-4946. (10.1073/pnas.1523544113)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2016. Arsenic-induced phosphate limitation under experimental Early Proterozoic oceanic conditions. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 434 , pp.52-63. (10.1016/j.epsl.2015.11.009)

2015

• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2015. Arsenic stress after the Proterozoic glaciations. Scientific Reports 5 17789. (10.1038/srep17789)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2015. Biogenicity of an Early Quaternary iron formation, Milos Island, Greece. Geobiology 13 (3), pp.225-244. (10.1111/gbi.12128)

2014

• El Albani, A. et al., 2014. The 2.1 Ga Old Francevillian Biota: Biogenicity, taphonomy and biodiversity. PLoS ONE 9 (6), pp.e99438. (10.1371/journal.pone.0099438)

2013

• Chen, M. et al., 2013. Microcosm assessment of the biogeochemical development of sulfur and oxygen in oil sands fluid fine tailings. Applied Geochemistry 37 , pp.1-11. (10.1016/j.apgeochem.2013.06.007)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2013. Fossilized iron bacteria reveal a pathway to the biological origin of banded iron formation. Nature Communications 4 2050. (10.1038/ncomms3050)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2013. Bioreactor studies predict whole microbial population dynamics in oil sands tailings ponds. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 97 (7), pp.3215-3224. (10.1007/s00253-012-4137-6)

2012

• Chi Fru, E. , Piccinelli, P. and Fortin, D. 2012. Insights into the global microbial community structure associated with iron oxyhydroxide minerals deposited in the aerobic biogeosphere. Geomicrobiology Journal 29 (7), pp.587-610. (10.1080/01490451.2011.599474)

2011

• Chi Fru, E. 2011. Microbial evolution of sulphate reduction when lateral gene transfer is geographically restricted. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 61 (7), pp.1725-1735. (10.1099/ijs.0.026914-0)
• Chi Fru, E. et al. 2011. Non-linear population dynamics in chemostats associated with live-dead cell cycling in Escherichia coli strain K12-MG1655. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 89 (3), pp.791-798. (10.1007/s00253-010-2895-6)

2009

• Chi Fru, E. 2009. Iron oxides influence bacterial community structure and the spatial distribution of the aerobic methanotrophs and sulphate reducers in granitic aquifers. Geomicrobiology Journal 26 (6), pp.415-429. (10.1080/01490450902965989)

2008

• Chi Fru, E. 2008. Constraints in the colonization of natural and engineered subterranean igneous rock aquifers by aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria inferred by culture analysis. Geobiology 6 (4), pp.365-375. (10.1111/j.1472-4669.2008.00164.x)
• Chi Fru, E. and Athar, R. 2008. In situ bacterial colonization of compacted bentonite under deep geological high-level radioactive waste repository conditions. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 79 (3), pp.499-510. (10.1007/s00253-008-1436-z)

2006

• Anderson, C. R. et al., 2006. In situ ecological development of a bacteriogenic iron oxide-producing microbial community from a subsurface granitic rock environment. Geobiology 4 (1), pp.29-42. (10.1111/j.1472-4669.2006.00066.x)

2005

• Masurat, P. , Chi Fru, E. and Pedersen, K. 2005. Identification of Meiothermus as the dominant genus in a storage system for spent nuclear fuel. Journal of Applied Microbiology 98 (3), pp.727-740. (10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02519.x)