Sampling eDNA from lakes to understand global biodiversity
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material left by organisms found in the environment. This can include skin cells, hair, excrement or other cellular material. Through collecting and analysing this eDNA, researchers can identify which species are present in a particular area without needing to directly observe or capture them. A key benefit of this technique is that it is non-invasive, and open to citizen participation.
Assessing loss and redistribution of biodiversity
The LeDNA(opens in new window) project, which was supported by the European Research Council(opens in new window), set out to apply eDNA sampling techniques to assess the loss and redistribution of biodiversity. In doing so, the project sought to overcome current methods for determining species distributions, which can be expensive, time-intensive and challenging when it comes to covering large geographic regions. “We wanted to see if lakes act as accumulators of eDNA by receiving transported eDNA from rivers,” explains LeDNA project coordinator Kristy Deiner from ETH Zurich(opens in new window) in Switzerland. “If lakes accumulate eDNA from their catchments, then sampling this eDNA may unlock information in a way that transforms our ability to monitor large areas in an inexpensive way.” The project developed new eDNA capturing techniques and employed cutting-edge sequencing to rapidly speed up the monitoring process. In addition, the project put citizen scientists front and centre, encouraging volunteers to take samples and contribute towards building up a global survey of eDNA from lakes.
Studying eDNA states in vitro and in situ
Through lab experiments, the project team was able to achieve a better understanding of how long eDNA persists in environmental conditions. Measurements taken at rivers connected to lakes demonstrated that eDNA is indeed transported into lakes. “We were able to develop a working methodology for studying eDNA states in vitro and in situ,” says Deiner. “We also successfully developed a novel eDNA sampler that enables fast and robust sampling but is easy to use by citizen scientists. This device has a patent pending.” The project team also showed that eDNA states can be empirically separated and studied from environmental samples, thus strengthening the case for using eDNA as a tool to monitor biodiversity changes. This could prove critical in providing accurate data with regards to biodiversity loss, enabling more targeted and effective policymaking.
Inspiring people to engage with new technologies
The LeDNA project was successful both in demonstrating the potential of using eDNA to monitor biodiversity at a large scale, and in engaging with citizens through social media. The LeDNA project’s methodologies and results will also provide science-based support for policymakers. “We hope that these techniques will advance global biodiversity monitoring targets and data gathering,” adds Deiner. “This will contribute towards global agreements such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(opens in new window).” A publication on this issue is currently in preparation. Next steps include commercialising some of the sampling systems developed and creating a participatory reward-based process that allows more people to collect and share eDNA samples. “We want to inspire people to engage with new technologies, to generate actionable data to help solve the biodiversity crisis we are facing,” says Deiner.
