Environmental Conditions Influence eDNA Persistence in Aquatic Systems
Summary
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance holds great promise for improving species conservation and management. However, few studies have investigated eDNA dynamics under natural conditions, and interpretations of eDNA surveillance results are clouded by uncertainties about eDNA degradation. We conducted a literature review to assess current understanding of eDNA degradation in aquatic systems and an experiment exploring how environmental conditions can influence eDNA degradation. Previous studies have reported macrobial eDNA persistence ranging from less than 1 day to over 2 weeks, with no attempts to quantify factors affecting degradation. Using a SYBR Green quantitative PCR assay to observe Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) eDNA degradation [...]
Summary
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance holds great promise
for improving species conservation and management. However, few studies have
investigated eDNA dynamics under natural conditions, and interpretations of
eDNA surveillance results are clouded by uncertainties about eDNA degradation.
We conducted a literature review to assess current understanding of eDNA
degradation in aquatic systems and an experiment exploring how environmental
conditions can influence eDNA degradation. Previous studies have reported
macrobial eDNA persistence ranging from less than 1 day to over 2 weeks, with
no attempts to quantify factors affecting degradation. Using a SYBR Green
quantitative PCR assay to observe Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) eDNA
degradation in laboratory mesocosms, our rate of Common Carp eDNA
detection decreased over time. Common Carp eDNA concentration followed a
pattern of exponential decay, and observed decay rates exceeded previously
published values for aquatic macrobial eDNA. Contrary to our expectations, eDNA degradation rate declined as biochemical
oxygen demand, chlorophyll, and total eDNA (i.e., from any organism) concentration increased. Our results help explain the
widely divergent, previously published estimates for eDNA degradation. Measurements of local environmental conditions,
consideration of environmental influence on eDNA detection, and quantification of local eDNA degradation rates will help
interpret future eDNA surveillance results.
