Assessing environmental along upstream and downstream sections of the Elkhorn River
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Environmental Studies
Other
Environmental Science
Advisor Information
Dr.
Location
CEC RM #127
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
22-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 10:15 AM
Abstract
Anthropogenic impacts on riverine ecosystems range from acute to diffuse effects that stretch downstream from upstream focal points and may have implications for management and restoration efforts. This project seeks to study regional differences in the riverine microbiomes of the Nebraska Elkhorn River. The Elkhorn River runs through agricultural and urban areas from North-Central Nebraska Eastward into Douglas County, which connects to the Platte River and is at risk for chemical runoff and pollution. This can have important implications for environmental concerns as well as public health as many portions of the Elkhorn River are used for recreation. As the river runs through these spaces, we expect microbiomes to differ in response to environmental changes from pollution. We sampled environmental (water, biofilm, and sediment) factors in four different locations along the Elkhorn River, starting at the headwaters near Stuart, NE, and ending at the Elkhorn Shores Recreation Area just outside of the Omaha metropolitan area. Using DNA extraction techniques, Miseq 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing, and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, we seek to determine the degree of variation between different environmental microbiomes as the river flows downstream.
Assessing environmental along upstream and downstream sections of the Elkhorn River
CEC RM #127
Anthropogenic impacts on riverine ecosystems range from acute to diffuse effects that stretch downstream from upstream focal points and may have implications for management and restoration efforts. This project seeks to study regional differences in the riverine microbiomes of the Nebraska Elkhorn River. The Elkhorn River runs through agricultural and urban areas from North-Central Nebraska Eastward into Douglas County, which connects to the Platte River and is at risk for chemical runoff and pollution. This can have important implications for environmental concerns as well as public health as many portions of the Elkhorn River are used for recreation. As the river runs through these spaces, we expect microbiomes to differ in response to environmental changes from pollution. We sampled environmental (water, biofilm, and sediment) factors in four different locations along the Elkhorn River, starting at the headwaters near Stuart, NE, and ending at the Elkhorn Shores Recreation Area just outside of the Omaha metropolitan area. Using DNA extraction techniques, Miseq 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing, and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, we seek to determine the degree of variation between different environmental microbiomes as the river flows downstream.