Project:

Effects of pollution on fungal communities

Students:

Tianxiao Liu, Arianna Sukhdeo, Alexandra Snowden

Institution:

St. Francis College, Brooklyn

Mentors:

Katsuhiro Kita

Abstract:

This study investigates the impact of pollution on fungal biodiversity by comparing soils from high-pollution areas (e.g., highways) and low-pollution areas (e.g., nature reserves). Fungal communities are vital for ecosystem functioning, yet their responses to pollution remain underexplored. Soil samples will be collected, stored, and processed for DNA barcoding to identify fungal taxa using ITS region sequencing. The study aims to assess fungal diversity and community composition across pollution gradients. We hypothesize that high-pollution sites will exhibit reduced fungal diversity and altered community structures compared to low-pollution sites. Statistical and graphical analyses will evaluate diversity indices and species distributions, potentially identifying bioindicator taxa. Findings may contribute to environmental restoration efforts and highlight the need to conserve fungal biodiversity in polluted ecosystems.

Poster:

Team samples: