Graham Houghton (VI), Sriya Tallapragada (VI), Ella Wunderlich (VI), Kathryn Flanigan (V), Julian Zassenhaus (V), Matan Zelkowicz (V), Aiden Suh (IV), Douglas McNaugher (IV)
Project Summary
Metagenomics is the study of genetic material taken from populations of organisms. By performing metagenomic analysis of DNA from the Pingry composter, we aim to understand how the microbial community of the composter responds to changes in environmental conditions. In doing so, we hope to gain practical insights into the biological mechanisms which drive the composting process. Preliminary analysis of our data (to date) reveals differences between microbial communities present at different stages of the decomposition process.
The analysis also reveals that several characteristics in the composter environment, such as temperature, pH, and amount of raw material added, correlate in varying degrees to the abundance of specific bacterial orders. The data provides a natural history of the composter’s functionality, which will be translated into practical recommendations for improving its future operation.
Project Goals
- Collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data on the Pingry composter.
- Identify correlations between measured parameters (such as pH, temperature, time, material, and chemical composition) and beneficial groups of bacteria.
- Research microbiological analysis of composters in different climates, and compare those results with our own findings.
- Propose changes to the maintenance of the Pingry composter, to support its beneficial bacterial and fungal communities and thus its functionality.
Faculty Advisor
Ms. Farrell
