Project:

Aquatic Biomonitoring: Analyzing Invasive Species in Urban Estuaries as Indicators of Ecosystem Recovery

Students:

Olivia Gresham, Jakob (Koby) Horowitz

Institution:

St. Francis College, Brooklyn

Mentors:

Alison Dell

Abstract:

Aquatic ecosystems near urban centers are subject to countless negative environmental influences; this is especially true of Newtown Creek, New York. The creek is believed to support populations of pollution-tolerant invasive organisms while local biodiversity struggles to thrive. This investigation serves to identify invasive species via DNA barcoding and use their presence to assess the estuary’s health. We hypothesize that numerous invasive bivalves/amphipods would be recognized due to their adaptations to pollution.

Poster:

Team samples: