Project:

Investigation of epiphytic mosses as bioindicators of air pollution in Westchester county, NY

Students:

Aine O’Sullivan, Adriana King, Anna Fahy

School:

The Ursuline School, Other

Mentors:

Oxana Litvine

Abstract:

Moss, a nonvascular spore-bearing species, holds pivotal ecological roles by regulating water levels and maintaining soil moisture. Additionally, moss serves as a bioindicator of atmospheric pollution, absorbing pollutants while lacking roots and vascular tissue. This study will employ epiphytic mosses as bioindicators to assess the impact of air pollution in Westchester County, NY. Our investigation will focus on epiphytic mosses in Westchester County, NY, comparing Teatown Lake Reservation (low pollution) with Bronx River Parkway Reservation (high pollution). Moss samples will be identified using iNaturalist, field guides, and DNA barcoding. We hypothesize that areas with elevated atmospheric pollution will exhibit diminished moss biodiversity. This Urban Barcoding Project will contribute valuable insights into utilizing mosses as effective bioindicators for monitoring air quality in local ecosystems.

Poster:

Team samples: