Project:

Effects of Pollution on Biodiversity of Algae in Bodies of Water in Central Park and Northern New Jersey

Students:

Subin (Emily) Kwen, Ethan Park

School:

Tenafly High School, Queens

Mentors:

Helen Coyle

Abstract:

This project will utilize different species of algae to find the effect of pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates on the biodiversity in bodies of water. Different algae can only survive in very specific concentrations of nitrates and phosphates. These pollutants have varying degrees of impact on the many species of algae in the bodies of water. Algal samples from different bodies of water will be studied and the species will be identified by DNA barcoding at the Harlem DNA Lab. We will use PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing to find the species of the algal organism. Using the database of Encyclopedia of Life, the species will be matched to the concentrations they can survive in. Using this information, we will be able to determine what, if any, effects these pollutants have on the diversity of macroscopic algae living in ponds.

Poster:

Team samples: