Collins, Rupert A and Wangensteen, Owen S and O'Gorman, Eoin J and Mariani, Stefano and Sims, David W and Genner, Martin J (2018) Persistence of environmental DNA in marine systems. Communications Biology, 1 (1). 185-. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0192-6
Collins, Rupert A and Wangensteen, Owen S and O'Gorman, Eoin J and Mariani, Stefano and Sims, David W and Genner, Martin J (2018) Persistence of environmental DNA in marine systems. Communications Biology, 1 (1). 185-. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0192-6
Collins, Rupert A and Wangensteen, Owen S and O'Gorman, Eoin J and Mariani, Stefano and Sims, David W and Genner, Martin J (2018) Persistence of environmental DNA in marine systems. Communications Biology, 1 (1). 185-. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0192-6
Abstract
As environmental DNA (eDNA) becomes an increasingly valuable resource for marine ecosystem monitoring, understanding variation in its persistence across contrasting environments is critical. Here, we quantify the breakdown of macrobial eDNA over a spatio-temporal axis of locally extreme conditions, varying from ocean-influenced offshore to urban-inshore, and between winter and summer. We report that eDNA degrades 1.6 times faster in the inshore environment than the offshore environment, but contrary to expectation we find no difference over season. Analysis of environmental covariables show a spatial gradient of salinity and a temporal gradient of pH, with salinity-or the biotic correlates thereof-most important. Based on our estimated inshore eDNA half-life and naturally occurring eDNA concentrations, we estimate that eDNA may be detected for around 48 h, offering potential to collect ecological community data of high local fidelity. We conclude by placing these results in the context of previously published eDNA decay rates.
Item Type: | Article |
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Divisions: | Faculty of Science and Health Faculty of Science and Health > Life Sciences, School of |
SWORD Depositor: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Date Deposited: | 14 Dec 2020 15:59 |
Last Modified: | 07 Aug 2024 19:26 |
URI: | http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/29358 |
Available files
Filename: Persistence of environmental DNA in marine systems.pdf
Licence: Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0