Seasonal variation in environmental DNA detection in sediment and water samples

The use of aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of species depends on the seasonal activity of the species in the sampled habitat. eDNA may persist in sediments for longer than it does in water, and analysing sediment could potentially extend the seasonal window for species assess...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2018-01, Vol.13 (1), p.e0191737-e0191737
Main Authors: Buxton, Andrew S, Groombridge, Jim J, Griffiths, Richard A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Autumn
Biology and life sciences
Change detection
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
DNA - analysis
DNA - genetics
DNA - isolation & purification
DNA identification
Earth Sciences
Ecology
Ecosystem
England
Environmental aspects
Environmental DNA
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Genetic aspects
Geologic Sediments - analysis
Methods
Ponds
Ponds - analysis
Probability
Research and analysis methods
Seasonal variations
Seasons
Sediments
Sediments (Geology)
Species
Triturus - genetics
Water - analysis
Water sampling
Winter
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Summary:The use of aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of species depends on the seasonal activity of the species in the sampled habitat. eDNA may persist in sediments for longer than it does in water, and analysing sediment could potentially extend the seasonal window for species assessment. Using the great crested newt as a model, we compare how detection probability changes across the seasons in eDNA samples collected from both pond water and pond sediments. Detection of both aquatic and sedimentary eDNA varied through the year, peaking in the summer (July), with its lowest point in the winter (January): in all seasons, detection probability of eDNA from water exceeded that from sediment. Detection probability of eDNA also varied between study areas, and according to great crested newt habitat suitability and sediment type. As aquatic and sedimentary eDNA show the same seasonal fluctuations, the patterns observed in both sample types likely reflect current or recent presence of the target species. However, given the low detection probabilities found in the autumn and winter we would not recommend using either aquatic or sedimentary eDNA for year-round sampling without further refinement and testing of the methods.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0191737