Barcode Long Island Team Sacred Heart Academy Team 2
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2016-17
Research Topic:
Wildlife & health
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Plants

Project:

The Effects of Pollution on Harmful Algae Blooms
Students:
Mackenzie Johnson, Julia Panarella, Nicole Planken
School:
Sacred Heart Academy, Nassau
Mentors:
Karen Kuntz

Abstract:

In recent decades, HABs, or harmful algae blooms have increased in frequency and duration around the world. On Long Island, several bodies of water including the Peconic and South Shore estuaries have been affected. This proliferation of algal blooms often times is the result of unusual conditions such as excess nutrients (eutrophication) that can cause a particular species to grow in to HABs. Algal blooms can pose biohazards to humans and animals by producing endogenous toxins that can kill fish and shellfish. In our study, we would like to observe the effects of different types of pollution on the species of algae that live on Long Island, especially in the areas of Barnum’s Channel (Empire Kayaks) in Island Park, Reynolds Channel in Long Beach, and the Nautical Mile in Freeport. In order to conduct our study we will examine the effects of pollution on the growth and development of different species of algae and investigate the links between pollution and harmful algae blooms.

Poster:

Team samples: