Project:

Algae Biodiversity in Queens Ponds

Students:

Eleftheria Kaloudis, Kayla Keenan, Alexandra Lazarou

School:

St. Francis Preparatory, Queens

Mentors:

James Boylan

Abstract:

Algae play a key role in aquatic ecosystems, providing food for primary consumer species. The population sizes of algae and other organisms in the ecosystem respond to changes in environmental variables. When excess nutrients are available, this can lead to algae blooms, resulting in a population explosion. An abundance of algae leads to negative impacts on the ecosystem: lack of oxygen and the deaths of other species and possible collapse of the ecosystem. The purpose of this study to examine algae in pond waters of queens to help assess which ponds may be prone to algae blooms. This information can be used to help prevent such events from occurring, and to preserve these ecosystems.

Poster:

Team samples: