Project:

The Invertebrates of the Peconic River

Students:

Jenna Grosskopf, Megan Mullen, Kiara Mehta

School:

Eastport South Manor HS, Suffolk

Mentors:

Robert Bolen

Abstract:

The water quality of the Peconic River appears to be improving since there are fewer leeches and there are more freshwater crustaceans than were documented in past years,. Water quality will be better because there will be increased biodiversity. The relevance of water quality to human health is that if the water is very polluted, it may cause diseases and harmful bacteria may spread. Also, if there are new species they could help improve water quality. Some of the specimens we collected are carnivores and will prey upon harmful insects and this can reduce the chances of diseases, such as West Nile Virus, from being passed on to humans.

Poster:

Team samples: