Project:

The use of eDNA in the identification of microbes in the NYC subway system

Students:

Syeda Hoque, Dafina Burlakova

Institution:

John Jay College,

Mentors:

Xiao Chen

Abstract:

The New York City subway system is an overlooked source of genetic diversity in an urban environment. Since the locations of subway stations in NYC vary, and each location has varied geographic characteristics (close to water, close to a forest, etc.), these places, each with different geographic makeup, would presumably contain different species. Previous scientific literature touches on the potential uses of eDNA in identifying such certain species recently present in an area. The main aim of this research project is to observe the diversity of microbes within the NYC subway system. Its potential broader impact is that NYC MTA services could utilize data from our project to search for other organisms without being disruptive and potentially a method for microbe surveillance in city transportation system. Qiagen DNeasy Powersoil Pro Kit will be used for DNA extraction. We will target a station from each borough in NYC in order to obtain a diverse and accurate range of organisms from g

Poster:

Team samples: