Our project aimed to show a connection between lichen biodiversity and air pollution in Central Park and Prospect Park. We decided on this project as Lichens are important bioindicators of pollution levels, however have not been studied extensively in NYC. To complete our project we used data from INaturalist of lichen sightings in the two parks then used the Shannon Diversity Index and a T Test to see the connection between our two points. We found that the biodiversity in Central Park was higher than in Prospect Park despite the worse air quality, which provides an interesting view on pollution resistant lichens as well as pollution sensitive one.
Project Authors: John Simon, Andrew Kantor, Akshaya Swaminathan, Regina Martinez
Troy
December 11, 2023 — 5:13 pm
Interesting research topic! This information over time would be interesting as well, especially as air quality has evolved around the city over the past two centuries.