Effects of Pollution on Tardigrades Living on Maple and Locust Trees
Our objective in this experiment was to determine if pollution of tree bark, measured by pH level and lichen health affects the population of two classes of tardigrades, Heterotardigrada and Eutardigrada. We also wanted to determine if a new species of tardigrade discovered in Illinois was present in Michigan. We collected bark samples from polluted and unpolluted trees and then counted the number of tardigrades present. Our results showed that in maple and locust trees, more tardigrades were present in the unpolluted trees than the polluted trees. In conclusion, we were able to assume that pollution has an effect on the population of tardigrades on lichen.
Research Done By:
Jennifer Finna
Cousino
Lisa Horger
Cousino
Warren Consolidated Schools