| Biography |
|---|
| My name is Jacob and I am a Grade 11 student at Holy Cross Secondary School in Peterborough, Ontario. I am an avid fly fisherman and I am very interested in fish, wildlife, and the natural world in general. This interest prompted me to investigate the effects that humans are having on trout streams. I have been studying the Harper Creek system in Peterborough for the past 5 years, because this interesting network of creeks contains one of the last urban brook trout populations in southern Ontario. I have had success at the Peterborough Regional Science Fair presenting the results of my studies during the last 5 years. Since I began my research, humans have continued to impact trout streams through climate change, urban development, pollution, and other factors. I have decided to continue my long term research and assess the impacts of road salt pollution on Harper Creek and its inhabitants. |
| Jacob Bowman
Can freshwater stream invertebrates adapt to road salt?
| Challenge: | Environment | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Peterborough | | City: | Peterborough, ON | | School: | Holy Cross S.S. | | Abstract: | I have conducted a multi-year study on an urban brook trout stream, to test for effects of urban development on trout. I have found that road salt pollution is toxic to invertebrates, which are an important trout food. My study suggests that invertebrates cannot adapt to high salinity. I have also found that across the Peterborough region, streams with higher salt have fewer invertebrate species. |
| Awards | Value | The Beaty Centre for Species Discovery Award
Senior
Sponsor: Canadian Museum of Nature | $1 000.00 | | Total | $1 000.00 | |
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