Project:

The Biodiversity of Macroinvertebrates at Twin Lakes Preserve

Students:

Matthew Zanelotti

School:

Wantagh High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Renee MacDermott

Abstract:

In New York state where we have numerous freshwater sources, it is extremely important to know what risks it may contain such as pollution and low oxygen levels. These things can kill off the aquatic organisms that live in freshwater, such as aquatic macroinvertebrates. My group has chosen to study freshwater macroinvertebrates since their presence, or lack thereof, can indicate a potential polluted area. They play an important role in consuming plants, algae, and other organic materials, so their population is a key indicator of water conditions. Macroinvertebrates can be carriers of diseases or bacteria in the water, such as cholera and giardia. We will look for these organisms within the freswater of the Twin Lakes Preserve.

Poster:

Team samples: