Student Research Projects
Date Completed
Spring 2026
Abstract
This experiment investigated the effects of a green manure (Lemna minor, common duckweed) grown in varying levels of heavy metals and inoculated with local microbiomes on a crop (Lactuca sativa, volcana lettuce). The growth and health of the duckweeds were measured via root length and biomass, and the health of the lettuce crop was measured via head diameter and biomass. Two levels of heavy metal concentrations were based on real-world stormwater runoff data to mimic an agricultural environment where accumulation of metals in local water bodies may be absorbed into green manure duckweeds. One microbial treatment and the lowest, but not highest, metal concentrations negatively affected duckweed growth. However, lettuce crop growth mass and diameter were unaffected.
Document Type
Capstone
First Advisor
Anna O'Brien
College or School
COLSA
Department or Program
Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Recommended Citation
LeMay, Robert, "Influence of Microbial Communities and Dilute Heavy Metals in Green Manure on Growth in Lactuca Sativa" (2026). Student Research Projects. 2.
https://scholars.unh.edu/student_research_projects/2
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Microbiology Commons, Plant Sciences Commons