YPIE Scientist: Abby Langomas

Research: The Comparative Effects of Biofertilizers and Inorganic Fertilizers on Butterhead Lettuce Growth and Listeria monocytogenes Colonization

Research Location: GWHV Science Barge, Yonkers NY

Mentor: Joel Rodriguez

Awards: UAlbany in the High School Science Research Invitational Symposium 2026- 3rd place in Animal and Plant Sciences, Student Of The Year for Molecular Biology and Eco Lab 2025, Regeneron STS 2025 Participant

Abstract:

Biofertilizers are cost-effective, eco-friendly and enhance nutrient uptake for plant growth. They are most commonly used in soilless systems such as bioponics, similar to hydroponics, where organic matter is used to nutrify plant bioproducts. This method uses beneficial microbes to create a nutrient-rich solution that can result in pesticide-free food. However, recently there have been outbreaks reported on the presence of a microbe, Listeria, in hydroponic systems, leading to foodborne illnesses and concerns for human health. Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness linked to contaminated fresh produce, dairy, and meat products. It is able to survive and live in hydroponic systems by colonizing nutrient solutions, consequently increasing the risk of crop contamination. It was hypothesized that butterhead lettuce treated with biofertilizers would show higher plant productivity and yield compared to inorganic fertilizers, while Listeria colonization was expected to decrease in biofertilizer-treated conditions. Three biofertilizers were analyzed; bacteria, brown-algae, and fungi in a hydroponic system, and its results were compared to an inorganic fertilizer. Four groups of butterhead lettuce were planted and after a harvest season, the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in these four conditions were tested using a ready-to-use lab kit. It was found that the bacterial biofertilizer was more advantageous for the improvement of plant height, and nutrient balance and was beneficial to decreasing the survival of Listeria colonies in butterhead lettuce.

About this Scientist:   

Abigail Langomas is a senior who is currently in the BioChemistry major in Saunders Trades and Technical High School. In college she plans on majoring in biochemistry in order to pursue her goal of working in a laboratory as well as in other environments to help study, create, and improve biotechnologies and apply them to biological and medicinal areas.

Presentation Slides