Investigating the effects of environmental conditions on phytoplankton biodiversity in the waters surrounding Puerto Rico

Gavin Turner and Jade Rowland

Phytoplankton are photosynthetic microscopic organisms that have important environmental impacts ranging from carbon fixation to harmful algal blooms. In the Northern Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, data were collected to investigate the biodiversity of diatoms and dinoflagellates. We discovered various correlations between phytoplankton biodiversity and environmental factors like abundance of prey, nutrient conditions, and light intensity. This research could be implemented in predictive models focusing on phytoplankton and the effects of changing environmental conditions.

Major: 
Science (Biological Sciences and Health Professions)
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Monica Medina, Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Head for Equity & Diversity
Poster Number: 
114