By Billy SchuttBy Billy Schutt

 Become a part of a scientific research lab.  Joined Chris Gobler’s lab at the Southampton campus of SUNY Stony Brook  The plan: get involved with different projects until I found something suitable.

 Examine the effects of the Bay Park sewage treatment plant on Hewlett Bay and surrounding waters

 Significant nitrogen influx from nearby sewer treatment plant causes large and frequent algal blooms in Hewlett Bay.

 Algal biomass observations

 Defined as “an increase in the rate of supply of organic matter to an ecosystem.” - Scott W. Nixon

 Organisms, such as phytoplankton, are able to grow and reproduce more quickly.  Usually in response to heightened nutrient levels in the water.

 Algal bloom grows so large that it consumes all available nutrients, leading to the starvation and mass die off of the population.  Dead algae sinks to the bay floor.

 Cells are decomposed by aerobic bacteria, resulting in depletion of dissolved oxygen.  Once oxygen depletion becomes severe, it suffocates marine organisms.

 Vertical Profiles

 What to do with the data (lots of it)?  Hewlett Bay swimmers provide the clue

 Write a general readership report addressing: Eutrophication in Hewlett Bay as a case study Eutrophication in Hewlett Bay as a case study A history of algal blooms in Suffolk County A history of algal blooms in Suffolk County Nitrogen-related eutrophication in Suffolk County Nitrogen-related eutrophication in Suffolk County Possible ways to alleviate the problems Possible ways to alleviate the problems

(Photo by Tom Iwanejko)(Photo by Tom Iwanejko)

 Many of Suffolk County’s bays suffer from eutrophication due to excess nitrogen.  Much of this nitrogen comes from septic systems.  ~80% of Suffolk County residences use septic systems.

 Suffolk County Fertilizer Reduction Initiative  But that’s not enough  Septic systems require more attention

The learning curve… SteepThe learning curve… Steep

The editing processThe editing process

 Worked in a professional lab setting  Acquired field experience  Learned research techniques  Became a better reader  Improved my writing ability

 Pursue scientific research  Become more environmentally conscience.

 Hugh McGuinness  Chris Gobler  Ryan Wallace  The rest of the lab at SUNY Stony Brook Southampton  Patty Lein  Dale Scott  My parents  The Ross School