Assessing host associated microbiomes along upstream and downstream sections of the Elkhorn River
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Other
Biology
Advisor Information
Dr.
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
44x34
Start Date
22-3-2024 10:30 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 11:45 AM
Abstract
Anthropogenic impacts on riverine ecosystems range from acute to drastic effects that stretch downstream from upstream focal points. The impacts on environmental microbiomes have been well researched, but very little is known about the impacts of associated host microbiomes in these same systems. This may have implications for management and restoration efforts to be put in place. 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 throughout the river. As the river runs through these areas, we expect microbiomes to differ in response to environmental changes from pollution. We sampled host (bait fish, minnows, Families Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae) associated gut microbiomes 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 host microbiomes as the river flows downstream.
Assessing host associated microbiomes along upstream and downstream sections of the Elkhorn River
CEC RM #201/205/209
Anthropogenic impacts on riverine ecosystems range from acute to drastic effects that stretch downstream from upstream focal points. The impacts on environmental microbiomes have been well researched, but very little is known about the impacts of associated host microbiomes in these same systems. This may have implications for management and restoration efforts to be put in place. 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 throughout the river. As the river runs through these areas, we expect microbiomes to differ in response to environmental changes from pollution. We sampled host (bait fish, minnows, Families Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae) associated gut microbiomes 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 host microbiomes as the river flows downstream.