Student Research Reports

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The purpose of this research project was to explore various environmental aspects and determine their impact on mosquito populations to find eco-friendly solutions for reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Utilizing the NASA SEES GLOBE Observer 2021 data, four research questions were conceptualized: What is the impact of water properties on mosquito populations? What is the impact of type of bait on mosquito populations? What is the impact of temperature on mosquito populations? What is the impact of air quality of mosquito populations? These questions were investigated by analyzing data such as water turbidity and water container dimensions, nutritional density of mosquito habitats, temperature on mosquito developmental and growth cycles, and air pollutants on mosquito habitats. Trends observed in each research question through the NASA SEES Mosquito Mapper trap data were organized with Anaconda and MatLab, which were used to collect and categorize information. The results of this research can help regulate mosquito populations and prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Based upon the data collected, it was established that lower turbidity and smaller containers of water would deter mosquitoes, compared to higher turbidity and larger containers of water. Additionally, it was found that bait and water types of creek water, sugar, and tree bark dissuade mosquitoes from laying their eggs. Higher temperatures were also determined to increase mosquito egg mortality rates as well as accelerate the typical embryonation and larval growth periods. Finally, heavily polluted areas were found to correlate with an increase in mosquito populations, as it expanded their range of travel. While there was limited time to determine results, this data is anticipated to be used in future studies to discover eco-friendly methods for regulating mosquito populations and the spread of related disease. Keywords: Mosquito, water properties, type of bait, temperature, air quality