Mentor: Bryan Plankenhorn (University of Rhode Island)
Co-Mentor(s): Bethany Jenkins (University of Rhode Island)

Project Location

University of Rhode Island – Kingston

Project Description

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the single-celled algae (phytoplankton) Pseudo-nitzschia have recently begun to occur in Narragansett Bay. This phytoplankton genus produces a potent neurotoxin called domoic acid which can bioaccumulate in the food web, for example shellfish, and be consumed by humans. Consuming high concentrations of domoic acid can results in serious illness and occasionally death. High concentrations of domoic acid are typically observed during summer and fall HAB periods. In order to monitor Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid, this SURF project will involve active field sampling and environmental measurements from several sites in Narragansett Bay. In the laboratory, water samples will be filtered for chlorophyll and DNA analysis to examine which species of Pseudo-nitzschia are present in Narragansett Bay. In addition to field and lab work, the student will examine time series environmental data. This statistical analysis will be carried out using RStudio.

Responsibilities will include: Water sample collection and accompanying environmental data in the field, water sample processing in the laboratory, compound microscope work for phytoplankton species counts, statistical analysis using phytoplankton time series data, experimental design and testing (hypothesis, control/treatment, etc.), time management, and research notebook maintenance.

This project involves:

• field work
• lab work
• computational work

Available for SURF Flex?

Yes

Required/preferred skills

Preferred qualifications include basic microbiology and aseptic laboratory technique experience, some familiarity with R, and basic coding skills.

No prior field experience required, but student should be aware some water sample collections may occur while on a small boat offshore and involve moving 10 L carboys of water.

2022