Project:

Biodiversity of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in a freshwater pond in Shu Swamp, Mill Neck, NY vs. in a pond near Oyster Bay Harbor

Students:

India Harris, Alexandra Fodera, Riya Sarwal

School:

Friends Academy, Nassau

Mentors:

Jennifer Newitt

Abstract:

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are significant organisms to the environment. They help recycle nutrients into ecosystems and keep the environment clean. The biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates also informs us about the water quality in that specific area according to The Macroinvertebrates Field guide by Data Classroom. The article mentions that if we find species such as mayflies, beetles, or operculate snails, that would signify that the water is less polluted as these organisms are very intolerant to pollution. On the other hand, it states that the presence of black fly crayfish, leeches, or non-biting midge would indicate that the ecosystem is more populated as these species are more tolerant to polluted waters where the salinity levels are increased. In addition, “In cold regions, salts are often applied to roads to prevent the build-up of ice and snow, which are washed into surrounding freshwaters during snowmelt and rain”, resulting in an increase in the amount of salinity in

Poster:

Team samples: