Presentation Title
Lemna Minor as an Ecological Tool for Vermont Farmers
Abstract
Agricultural runoff leads to elevated nutrient levels and toxic algae blooms in Vermont’s waterways. Previous work has found that Lemna Minor, commonly known as Duckweed, is effective at removing phosphorus and nitrogen from water and can be harvested for use as a high-protein feed for animals. I will specifically examine Duckweed’s potential to improve water quality while also supporting farmers’ livelihoods by analyzing case studies and exploring this intervention in the context of climate change’s impacts on Vermont. Through this meta-analysis I hope to better understand the ecological feasibility of Duckweed in Vermont agriculture.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Professor Beverley Wemple
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
Primary Research Category
Food & Environment Studies
Lemna Minor as an Ecological Tool for Vermont Farmers
Agricultural runoff leads to elevated nutrient levels and toxic algae blooms in Vermont’s waterways. Previous work has found that Lemna Minor, commonly known as Duckweed, is effective at removing phosphorus and nitrogen from water and can be harvested for use as a high-protein feed for animals. I will specifically examine Duckweed’s potential to improve water quality while also supporting farmers’ livelihoods by analyzing case studies and exploring this intervention in the context of climate change’s impacts on Vermont. Through this meta-analysis I hope to better understand the ecological feasibility of Duckweed in Vermont agriculture.