Barcode Long Island Team Saint Dominic 1
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2021-22
Research Topic:
Biodiversity & trade
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Animals: Invertebrate

Project:

Toxicity and pollution and its affect on DNA sequence
Students:
Michael Skillmore, James Limongelli, Austin Liscinsky
School:
St. Dominic High School, Nassau
Mentors:
David Erlanger

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to research and evaluate the difference in biodiversity among water invertebrates in non-polluted sites when compared to polluted superfund sites. Also, it is to see possible dissimilarity in DNA sequences from those invertebrates affected by toxic substances to those not. Phenotypes, including noticeable physical attributes, are known to be affected by environmental conditions, which is why the difference in water composition and purity here should affect that. The way we will approach this experiment is by obtaining a permit from the Glen Cove City Government to extract water invertebrates and test the waters of Glen Cove Creek, which is an extension of Hempstead Harbor. There are two superfund sites in this area which is why this is a perfect place to start. Li Tungsten Corporation and Mattiace Petrochemical Co. Inc. are located along Garvies Point Rd., just along the northern shore of the channelized creek

Poster:

Team samples: