Microbial communities are integral to the health of Earth’s ecosystem, human health and disease. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether Phragmites australis control around Utah Lake, may or may not impact microbial communities. This study is important because, an aquatic herbicidal Roundup (glyphosate based), has been sprayed around the boundary of the Lake since 2011, in an attempt to control the invasive species. Studies Show that the Phragmites australis acts as an uptake mechanism for trace metals. We hypothesize that the potential release of trace metals from eradicated and rotting plants, may cause unnatural accumulation in the surrounding sediments. Further research will determine if that increase in concentration of heavy metals will negatively impact the microbial communities in the surrounding lake sediment.
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