Project:

Evaluating The Toxicity of Cyanobacteria in Central Park

Students:

Bennett Choi, Artin Majidi, Ninis Twumasi, Asher Ader

School:

The Browning School,

Mentors:

Akira Wong

Abstract:

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) caused by toxic cyanobacteria threaten Central Park's aquatic ecosystems and public health. This project evaluates aquatic plant diversity as a cost-effective, preliminary indicator for HAB presence. We will collect 30 plant samples from eight water bodies for DNA barcoding and calculate the Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI). SDI will be correlated with water quality (nitrates, microcystins) and historical HABs data. We hypothesize that low plant diversity indicates high HABs risk, providing a critical new tool for park officials to enhance environmental monitoring.