Project:

Long term effects of Pesticides on Biodiversity of Soil Macroinvertebrates

Students:

Sarah Ahmed, Angelina Do, Cathreen Paul

School:

Mineola High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Ellen McGlade-McCulloh

Abstract:

Long Island has historically been known as an area of agriculture. However, this agricultural practices has impacted the environment by adding pesticides, herbicides, and biocides to the area. Although these chemicals may not have a direct effect of the soil macro-invertebrates, concentration of these reagents have lead to bio-accumulation inside organisms. The question this project seeks to investigate is what long-term effects does the accumulation of pesticides and herbicides (such as dicamba) have on the biodiversity of soil invertebrates. This study will investigate two golf courses, one that uses pesticides to maintain their turf (Eisenhower Golf Course) and one that is pesticide free (Harbor Links Golf Course). Soil samples will be collected from the rough at both golf courses. Macro-invertebrates will be separated from the soil and cataloged and placed in ethanol. DNA will be isolated, amplified using COI primer and polymerase chain reaction.

Poster:

Team samples: