Over three weeks, I analyzed the bacterial species abundance, richness, and evenness by counting and categorizing each colony type based on colony morphology, and calculated a Simpson’s Diversity Index. I anticipate statistically significant differences in bacterial abundance and diversity with the addition of MP and a strong negative correlation between bacterial abundance and diversity with MP concentrations. This research seeks to highlight the importance of understanding the effects of the ongoing increase in MP and provide critical insights into the ecological impacts of MP pollution on freshwater bacterial communities and ecosystem dynamics.
Poster submission was sponsored by Dr. Jessie Clasen, (Science and Technology Department) and was presented at the New Westminster campus on April 10, 2025, for Student Research Days 2025.
