Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-8239-0545

Date of Award

5-31-2026

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Biology/Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology

First Advisor

Brook Moyers

Abstract

Salicornia is a genus of succulent halophytes found in salt marshes around the world. Salicornia species have a remarkably high tolerance for heavy metal pollution and have been shown to accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals in their tissue under experimental conditions. As a result, they are both a useful system for studying evolution in polluted coastlines and a potential candidate for use in phytoremediation. My research focuses on Salicornia depressa, known as pickleweed, a species commonly found in marshes along the heavily urbanized and industrialized New England coast. I investigate genetic diversity and population structure in S. depressa populations from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where urbanization has led to high levels of habitat loss. I then use a time series analysis to test heavy metal accumulation and phytoremediation potential in S. depressa. Finally, I test whether soil metal concentrations influence S. depressa genetics, and whether genetics influences S. depressa's ability to accumulate heavy metals. I find little evidence that human-driven impacts, including habitat loss and heavy metal pollution, play an important role in S. depressa population genetics. I also find low levels of metal accumulation by S. depressa, calling into question its potential in phytoremediation.

Comments

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