Project:

Analyzing the Effects of Roadside Pollutants on Garden City Lichen Species Identified Through DNA Barcoding

Students:

Grace Kumpel, Kaitlyn McDonald

School:

Garden City High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Steven Gordon

Abstract:

Lichens are indicator species known for their sensitivity to air pollution. Lichen are especially susceptible to compounds like SO2 and NO2, both of which are emitted by vehicles. The three types of lichen have different sensitivities to these pollutants, but they can all die or become less numerous when exposed. This project aims to use DNA Barcoding, a process which can be used to sort and identify species using segments of DNA. In this research, DNA barcoding will be used to identify lichen and compare the abundance of test species based on their proximity to the road. Pictures will be taken of each sample and location coordinates collected.

Poster:

Team samples: