Author(s): Jelle A. Dercksen; Laura Maria Stancanelli; Krijn B. Trimbos; Astrid Blom
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Given the decline in biodiversity and the increase in restoration efforts, high-throughput biomonitoring methods for fluvial systems have become key. The detection of environmental DNA is a promising technique to meet these needs. This research aims to investigate the interaction between flow velocity in fluvial systems and eDNA detectability. To this end, a set of laboratory experiments were conducted. Zebrafish eDNA was introduced into an annular flume, and four tests were conducted, each lasting seven days and having a different flow velocity. eDNA concentrations decreased with time, but in the case of the highest flow velocity run, initially an increase in detectable eDNA concentration was noted. Mechanisms responsible for the initial increase in detectable eDNA could influence eDNA-based species abundance estimates in field scenarios.
Year: 2024