Barcode Long Island Team Long Island Insect Biodiversity
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2018-19
Research Topic:
Biodiversity & trade
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Animals: Invertebrate

Project:

The Effect of Environmental Pollution on Insect Biodiversity
Students:
Elise Smith, Karina Rios
School:
Freeport High School, Nassau
Mentors:
Edward Irwin

Abstract:

Using shape and identification of specific body parts to classify organisms requires a trained eye and is out of the realm of most students and teachers. The DNA Barcode procedure allows for identification of species using techniques now readily available in most high schools. For this study insect samples will be collected from local areas in Smithtown and Freeport and compared to insects collected in or near landfills. Micrograms of mercury per gram of soil measured by atomic absorption will be used to rate the contamination level of the collection sites.

Poster:

Team samples: