Quality Control Methods for Analyzing Metals in Seawater: Blanks

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Many metals in seawater are key micronutrients, essential in small quantities for the growth of phytoplankton. Analysis of these metals can be challenging due to their low concentration and the complex seawater matrix. Properly quantifying the blanks of the analytical method is critical to obtaining excellent results. In this work, we present preliminary data on accurately and precisely quantifying the blanks due to the analytical process of measuring metals in seawater. Once the blanks are properly quantified and minimized, the method can be used with seawater samples.

Quantification and Comparison of Microplastic Contents in Wild Mussels and Maricultured Oysters from Humboldt Bay, California using Enzymatic Digestion Methods

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research evaluates the microplastic (MP) contents of commercially maricultured Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and wild mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Humboldt Bay (HB), California. Bivalves were collected from each of three different locations in HB, and oysters were cultivated in HB. All bivalves were digested with proteolytic enzyme complexes, vacuum filtered, and MP's were quantified by microscopic examination. All samples contained MP's, and significantly different concentrations of MP particles were found between bivalves collected from different locations. Results also suggest that Corolase 8000 is a more efficient enzyme complex than Corolase 7089 for this purpose.

Quantify Your Perception: A Portable (And Stylish) Method

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Have you ever wondered how much dopamine your brain releases when you hug your dog? Or how extensive your addiction to caffeine is? Recent advances in brain imaging have allowed us to begin answering such questions, and many more, without the need to insert probes into a person’s head. The use of Electroencephalography (EEG) is one method of measuring brain activity, which is both high in temporal resolution (it’s fast) and possibly the next big fashion trend. This project examines the efficacy of using EEG to measure regional neurotransmitter concentrations, brain-activity pathways, in addition to the feasibility of making such technology aesthetically attractive to wear.

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Foraging in Relation to Storm Drains

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Human-animal conflicts are becoming more relevant as urban areas expand. Let's take a look at the raccoons on Cal Poly Humboldt's campus as an example of how to handle other species that may come into conflict with people. In my project I looked at storm drain distance from trashcans to see if there is any relation to how often they are used by the raccoons.

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Trash Can Use in Relation to Distance from Dining

Haley Fowler, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Raccoons have been observed around the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt, particularly in the trash cans. In this study, I tested how distance from dining resources affects raccoon trash can use. I predicted that trash cans closer to dining resources would be visited more often than other trash cans. My results indicated that trash can location in relation to dining resources did not impact the number of visits.

Raccoon Abundance in Regards to Trash Cans Around Cal Poly Humboldt

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This is a project about raccoon abundance

Raccoon use of Storm Drains on Cal Poly Humboldt’s Campus

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I will be presenting a poster concerning raccoon use of the storm drains on Cal Poly Humboldt's campus. This study was conducted through the use of motion sensing camera traps, and did not involve any direct capturing or handling of animals.

Recreational Trail Impacts on Presence and Abundance Patterns of the California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) in the Arcata Community Forest, CA

Rashel Cazares-Navarro , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My project aims at understanding how recreational trails have shaped terrestrial salamanders' presence and conditional abundance in the Arcata Community Forest. In this project, I aim to answer if hiking trails affect the presence and abundance patterns of the California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuates). To address my question, I conducted my research in two months, from February to April, at the Arcata Community Forest. I conducted my research on two different trails. The first is the Short Trail (0.11 miles), and the second is Redwood Park Trail (0.28 miles). This information is crucial to the conservation and management of salamanders as they are an indicator species.

Red-Tailed and Red-Shouldered Hawk Habitat Usage Throughout Humboldt County

Pouya Kazemi, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Studying if the habitat type has an effect on the what age hawk will be using that territory, either adult or immature. Looking at four habitat types, open, forest, urban and water. There was no significance in habitat type in relation to age.

Redtail Surfperch Population Dynamics in Humboldt County

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Redtail surfperch population dynamics when comparing urban and remote beaches in Humboldt County.