Project:

Impacts of Air Pollution on Lichen Diversity

Students:

Angelina Shih, Darwin Yang, Kaitlyn Abraham

School:

Roslyn High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Lisa Daniels

Abstract:

In our experiment, we will show the diversity of lichen species in different environments that have different levels of air pollution. Lichens are symbiotic organisms made up of a fungus and an algae. Lichens can be impacted by nitrogen in air pollution or nitric acid in acid rain. This experiment will look to see the different types of lichens found in each environment. We will look into the characteristics of lichens found in each environment to see if they have common characteristics or taxonomic relationships. Lichens are known environmental indicators especially sensitive to nitrogen compounds. Our group will focus on the impact of nitrogen pollution in the form of nitric acid in acid rain and nitrogen emissions from cars on the biodiversity lichens. We will look at the different species of lichens found in an area that is more likely to have nitrogen pollution compared to an area less polluted.

Poster:

Team samples: