Biomonitoring in rivers adopting environmental DNA (eDNA)
Laura Maria Stancanelli (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
J.A. Dercksen (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
A. Wens (Student TU Delft)
Astrid Blom (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
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Abstract
A monitoring technique capable of assessing the status of an aquatic ecosystem is needed for reversing negative trends in river biodiversity. Recently, an innovative technique for detecting the degree of biodiversity based on environmental DNA traces (mucus, shed skins etc.) has been proposed (Carraro et al., 2020). This eDNA-based biomonitoring relies on the collection and processing of water samples containing genetic material released by organisms. In recent years, the research community has made significant efforts to advance the identification of species from biological samples, for instance by expanding genetic reference databases. However, eDNA technique implementation is hampered by a lack of knowledge about the dynamics of biological traces in rivers. Here, the aim is to investigate the transport of eDNA in water streams, while considering processes such as degradation and spreading.