Project:

Comparison of Long Island Sound Algal and Mollusk species between Port Jefferson and Mount Sinai Harbors

Students:

Noreen Guilfoyle, Jillian Lukasiewicz, Ibraheem Qureshi, Jacob Ritter

School:

Mount Sinai High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Glynis Nau-Ritter

Abstract:

This study proposes to identify the DNA sequences in select genes of algal species with any small invertebrates found on wooden pilings in both Mount Sinai and Port Jefferson Harbors and observe any diversity and zonation differences between the harbors. The plant gene rbcl or tufa will be used for the algal species while the mitochondrial CO1 gene will be used for the mollusks. Although this study researches only a few species in the harbors, the study will hopefully continue in future years to possibly identify invasive species that inhabit the areas as more human impacts occur in both harbors. Nutrient analysis of Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Phosphate. Salinity and pH will also be performed on the sampling date to observe any differences between the harbors.

Poster:

Team samples: