Project:

Investigating Algal Biodiversity in Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh

Students:

Luca Grossberg, Brenton Cynn, Ethan Fishbein

School:

Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The Bronx

Mentors:

Abigale Koppa

Abstract:

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the variation of algal species among microhabitats (such as mudflats v.s rocky shoreline) within Randalls Island’s Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh by analyzing the biodiversity of algal communities. Across several microhabitats within the marsh, we will collect thirty different algal samples and document the microhabitat where they were found. We can identify each algal sample with DNA barcoding, using silica extraction to isolate each sample's DNA, amplifying it with PCR, and analyzing it with gel electrophoresis. For each microhabitat, we will calculate the number of distinct species and determine the biodiversity using Simpson’s Biodiversity Index. Ultimately, we hope to investigate how algal diversity corresponds to environmental differences within the marsh and how that can serve as a potential indicator for monitoring factors such as water quality.

Poster:

Team samples:

See all samples for project