MICROBIAL SPECIES AND CARBON ABOVE AND BELOW MAINE TIDAL RESTRICTIONS

This work investigates the impact of tidal creek restrictions on microbial communities and biogeochemical processes occurring within salt marsh habitats along Maine's coast. We assessed microbial community composition using 16s and ITS amplicon sequencing and measured physicochemical soil parameters above and below hydrologic restrictions in order to assess the potential impact on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas release. We are still in the process of analyzing the results of this pilot study but expect this to be completed by February, 2024. This work will serve to assess the use of environmental DNA as a potential tool for making restoration decisions and identify useful metrics and/or indicator species that with further research could allow for streamlined habitat needs assessment and biogeochemical modeling of marsh environments in the future.