Project:

Effects of Air Pollution on Lichen Biodiversity in New York City & Blackrock Forest

Students:

Melissa Lu, Chloe Beirne, Ella Irving, Alexy Chu

School:

The Spence School, Manhattan

Mentors:

Aruna Chavali

Abstract:

In this study, we aim to compare the effects of pollution on the abundance of lichen in the New York area. By collecting samples from Central Park and Blackrock Forest, two different environmentally-affected parks, we plan to use DNA isolation and amplification to interpret the DNA sequence of lichen depending on the area. Through this, as well as using the qualitative data we collected, we hope to learn more about the evolutionary and deferring effects of pollution on lichen. We also hope to prove further that pollution drastically affects the abundance/biodiversity of lichen.

Poster:

Team samples: