Project:

The Effects of Dissolved Metals in Suburban runoff on the Biodiversity of Long Island Beetles

Students:

Griffin Launer, Quinn Rainey, Marina Samodulski, Jackson Kelly

School:

Oyster Bay High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Steve Acquaro

Abstract:

The study explores the effect of dissolved metals in suburban runoff on beetle biodiversity. Urbanization leads to increased metal in runoff such as Lead, Zinc, and Copper. We are going to analyze water and soil samples from runoff sites to determine if such toxic metals are concentrating in low areas surrounding suburban centers. Beetles will be collected in leaf litter bags at the sample locations for testing. These samples will be analyzed for their DNA barcode to determine the diversity that may exist between high and low lying areas as a function of runoff pollutant concentration. It is expected that these beetle populations will differ in species composition.

Poster:

Team samples: