Project:

The Effect of Soil Contamination on the Biodiversity of Long Island

Students:

Kevin Lam, Jeffrey Yu

School:

Roslyn High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Lisa Daniels

Abstract:

This project will aim to examine the effects of soil contamination and toxic plumes have on the level of biodiversity in an area. The chemicals such as TCE and PCB found in the plumes have had been extensively researched regarding human health, but few have investigated the chemical’s effects on the environment and animals (“Environmental”). We will compare the biodiversity of areas affected by the plumes to control areas that have not been affected. We will focus on soil contamination and the biodiversity of the soil. Thus, DNA barcoding will be used in this project as a taxonomic method to classify traditionally difficult to classify organisms, such as soil microorganisms and worms. Data from the barcoding will then be analyzed to quantify the amount of biodiversity. Since only one percent of soil microorganism species has been identified so far (“Soil Biodiversity”), this study will contribute immensely to the scientific community. In addition, knowing the effect these tox

Poster:

Team samples: