Project:

Macroinvertebrates and Their Biodiversity as Indicators of a Healthy River Ecosystem

Students:

Sierra Fiano, Cadie Brown, Victoria Otero, Brianna Dubinsky

School:

Connetquot HS, Suffolk

Mentors:

John Halloran

Abstract:

Our investigation will focus on the health of the Connetquot State River ecosystem while investigating the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in the river. To collect these macroinvertebrates we will employ a variety of tools including a D-net, seine net and a grab dredge. Collection methods will be determined by the conditions at the sampling site and the variation in methods should help capture a broader range of species. Although the tool used will be different based on the location, the way we collect the samples will be the same for each person. After we extract DNA from the samples, we will use PCR to amplify the COI gene. Then we will use gel electrophoresis to make sure that the PCR worked correctly. The DNA will then be sequenced and processed with DNA Subway which will generate the barcodes we need.

Poster:

Team samples: