Barcode Long Island Team Freeport Barcode
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2016-17
Research Topic:
Wildlife & health
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Multiple - enter below

Project:

Preliminary Results Suggest that Environmental Pollution is Capable of Driving Biodiversity
Students:
Kimberly Serna, Alexis Jean-Pierre, Ashley Hernandez
School:
Freeport High School, Nassau
Mentors:
Edward Irwin

Abstract:

DNA barcoding has emerged as the primary method of identifying species of plants, animals, invertebrates and fungi. The primary goal of this DNA Barcode project is to compare insects and fungi from the north shore (Smithtown area) and south shore (Freeport area) of Long Island. Using DNA Barcoding, it is hypothesized that the identification of new species can be used as an indication that environmental contamination has direct involvement in altering biodiversity on Long Island. Insects and fungi were collected along with soil samples. Soil was analyzed for mercury using atomic absorbance and used as an indicator of environmental pollution. As anticipated, soil samples taken “near” landfills of the north and south shores showed an increased level of mercury concentration. Values ranged between .218 to .371 ug Hg/g compared to the value found in local households that ranged from .032 to .065 ug Hg/g. The Environmental Protection Agency set the 5% level in soil at .05 - .08ug Hg/g. A

Poster:

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