MCC science students participate in National Citizen Project in Lowell
MCC science students participate in National Citizen Project in Lowell Lowell Sun
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Middlesex Community College Students Contribute to Dragonfly Mercury Project
On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Middlesex Community College students in an environmental science course participated in the Dragonfly Mercury Project National Citizen Project. Along with associate professor of science Lisa Lobel, students acted as citizen scientists to visit a wetland in Lowell to sample dragonfly larvae.
Assessing Mercury Contamination and Promoting Sustainable Development
This nationwide event, held at all the National Parks, aimed to assess current mercury contamination in the environment. The project provided an opportunity for students to learn about the sources of mercury in our environment, its accumulation in aquatic food webs, and its harmful effects on both aquatic organisms and humans. By participating in this project, the students contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Hands-on Experience and Valuable Insights
During the trip, the students collaborated with park rangers from the Lowell National Historical Park to collect and identify dragonflies. Peyton Ballam, a biology transfer student from Billerica, volunteered to collect larvae from the wetlands using a net and a spoon. The collected samples were then placed in ice cube trays and handed over to the scribes, who selected the samples to be used as data.
The collected data was sent to a facility where it will be added to an interactive map. This map will provide scientists with a stronger understanding of mercury contamination and help in devising strategies to combat it. The hands-on experience gained through this project was valuable to Ballam in determining their future path in STEM.
Ballam expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I have always been interested in researching and field work, but have never had the opportunity to be a part of something as impactful and important as this. It has guided me to realize that I would like to pursue more fieldwork and research to truly understand more!”
Surprising Discoveries and Personal Growth
Elisha Estrada, a business student from Lowell, took the environmental science course as part of their major. Growing up in the city, Estrada was surprised to learn about the existence of a state park where they could contribute to the project.
Estrada shared their excitement, saying, “I was thrilled to be able to contribute to the research, and I’m so glad I chose this class. Professor Lobel’s passion for environmental science, combined with her lively personality, made learning fun. It was really cool to be part of such a significant study.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | Mercury contamination in the environment. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses the Dragonfly Mercury Project National Citizen Project, which aims to assess mercury contamination in the environment. This connects to SDG 3 as it focuses on reducing illnesses and deaths caused by hazardous chemicals and pollution. It also relates to SDG 6 as it addresses water pollution and contamination. Additionally, it is relevant to SDG 14 as it aims to prevent marine pollution.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
The article does not explicitly mention these targets, but the Dragonfly Mercury Project aligns with the goals of reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals (Target 3.9), improving water quality (Target 6.3), and preventing marine pollution (Target 14.1).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Mercury contamination in the environment.
The article mentions that the Dragonfly Mercury Project aims to assess current mercury contamination in the environment. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 6.3 of improving water quality.
Overall, while the article does not provide specific indicators for all the identified targets, it highlights the importance of addressing mercury contamination and pollution, which are key factors in achieving the identified SDGs and targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | Mercury contamination in the environment. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: lowellsun.com
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