Project:

Testing the effect of dissolved oxygen and nitrogen levels in Bailey Arboretum and Shu Swamp ponds on the biodiversity of aquati

Students:

Catherine Lee, Lilli Lee, Jackie Heslee

School:

Friends Academy, Nassau

Mentors:

Jennifer Newitt

Abstract:

Our team plans to answer the research inquiry, how do dissolved oxygen levels and water quality of freshwater ponds in the North Shore of Long Island correlate with the biodiversity of aquatic insect larvae found in Bailey Arboretum and Shu Swamp. Along with our samples of aquatic invertebrates, we will also use another two indicators of water quality: dissolved oxygen levels and the presence/absence of nitrogen and waste/fertilizer in water. (USDOC) Low oxygen levels and high nitrogen levels are results of eutrophication, a process caused by disruption from agricultural development on land surrounding the pond. 9-12 mg/L of dissolved oxygen is ideal for the survival of insect larvae and any numbers lower indicates a lack of oxygen caused by eutrophication, which is, at its root, caused by pollution of the environment. (Swistock) We will extract the DNA, then identify and amplify a fragment of the COI gene located on the mitochondrial genome with PCR and gel electrophoresis. This DNA b

Poster:

Team samples: