1
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Chiquillo KL, Wong JM, Eirin-Lopez JM. Ecological forensic testing: Using multiple primers for eDNA detection of marine vertebrates in an estuarine lagoon subject to anthropogenic influences. Gene 2024; 928:148720. [PMID: 38936785 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Many critical aquatic habitats are in close proximity to human activity (i.e., adjacent to residences, docks, marinas, etc.), and it is vital to monitor biodiversity in these and similar areas that are subject to ongoing urbanization, pollution, and other environmental disruptions. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is an accessible, non-invasive genetic technique used to detect and monitor species diversity and is a particularly useful approach in areas where traditional biodiversity monitoring methods (e.g., visual surveys or video surveillance) are challenging to conduct. In this study, we implemented an eDNA approach that used a combination of three distinct PCR primer sets to detect marine vertebrates within a canal system of Biscayne Bay, Florida, an ecosystem representative of challenging sampling conditions and a myriad of impacts from urbanization. We detected fish species from aquarium, commercial, and recreational fisheries, as well as invasive, cryptobenthic, and endangered vertebrate species, including charismatic marine mammals such as the protected West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus. Our results support the potential for eDNA analyses to supplement traditional biodiversity monitoring methods and ultimately serve as an important tool for ecosystem management. This approach minimizes stress or disturbance to organisms and removes the intrinsic risk and logical limitations of SCUBA diving, snorkeling, or deploying sensitive equipment in areas that are subject to high vessel traffic and/or low visibility. Overall, this work sets the framework to understand how biodiversity may change over different spatial and temporal scales in an aquatic ecosystem heavily influenced by urbanization and validates the use of eDNA as a complementary approach to traditional ecological monitoring methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcie L Chiquillo
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras, P.O. Box 23360, San Juan, PR 00931 USA; Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Juliet M Wong
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC, USA; Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Jose M Eirin-Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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2
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Kirchgeorg S, Chang JJM, Ip YCA, Jucker M, Geckeler C, Lüthi M, van der Loo E, Mächler E, Franco-Sierra ND, Herrera MAG, Pellissier L, Deiner K, Desiderato A, Mintchev S. eProbe: Sampling of Environmental DNA within Tree Canopies with Drones. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39236253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c05595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a powerful tool for studying biodiversity in forests and tree canopies. However, collecting representative eDNA samples from these high and complex environments remains challenging. Traditional methods, such as surface swabbing or tree rolling, are labor-intensive and require significant effort to achieve adequate coverage. This study proposes a novel approach for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collect eDNA within tree canopies by using a surface swabbing technique. The method involves lowering a probe from a hovering UAV into the canopy and collecting eDNA as it descends and ascends through branches and leaves. To achieve this, a custom-designed robotic system was developed featuring a winch and a probe for eDNA collection. The design of the probe was optimized, and a control logic for the winch was developed to reduce the risk of entanglement while ensuring sufficient interaction force to facilitate transfer of eDNA onto the probe. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated during the XPRIZE Rainforest Semi-Finals as 10 eDNA samples were collected from the rainforest canopy, and a total of 152 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were identified using eDNA metabarcoding. We further investigate how the number of probe interactions with vegetation, the penetration depth, and the sampling duration influence the DNA concentration and community composition of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Kirchgeorg
- Environmental Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Swiss Federale Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf 8903, Switzerland
| | - Jia Jin Marc Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117377, Singapore
| | - Yin Cheong Aden Ip
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Meret Jucker
- Environmental DNA, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Christian Geckeler
- Environmental Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Swiss Federale Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf 8903, Switzerland
| | - Martina Lüthi
- Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution, ETH Zürch, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Loïc Pellissier
- Swiss Federale Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf 8903, Switzerland
- Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution, ETH Zürch, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Kristy Deiner
- Environmental DNA, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- SimplexDNA AG, Winterthur 8404, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Desiderato
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz 90-136, Poland
| | - Stefano Mintchev
- Environmental Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Swiss Federale Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf 8903, Switzerland
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3
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Tian Y, Hao Y, Qu C, Yang F, Iwata H, Guo J. Biodiversity of multi-trophic biological communities within riverine sediments impacted by PAHs contamination and land use changes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124884. [PMID: 39236841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
River ecosystems currently face a significant threat of degradation and loss of biodiversity resulting from continuous emissions of persistent organic pollutants and human activities. In this study, multi-trophic communities were assessed using DNA metabarcoding in a relatively stable riverine sediment compartment to investigate the biodiversity dynamics in the Beiluo River, followed by an evaluation of their response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and land use changes. A total of 48 bacterial phyla, 4 fungal phyla, 4 protist phyla, 9 algal phyla, 31 metazoan phyla, and 12 orders of fish were identified. The total concentration of PAHs in the Beiluo River sediments ranged from 25.95 to 1141.35 ng/g, with low molecular weight PAHs constituting the highest proportion (68.67%), followed by medium (22.19%) and high (9.14%) molecular weight PAHs. Notably, in contrast to lower trophic level aquatic communities such as bacteria, algae, and metazoans, PAHs exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on fish. Furthermore, the diversity of aquatic communities displayed obvious heterogeneity across distinct land use groups. A high proportion of cultivated land reduced the biodiversity of fish communities but increased that of metazoans. Conversely, an elevated proportion of built-up land reduced metazoan biodiversity, while simultaneously enhancing that of fungi and bacteria. Generally, land use changes exert both indirect and direct effects on aquatic communities. The direct effects primarily influence the abundance of aquatic communities rather than their diversity. Nevertheless, PAHs pollution may have limited potential to disrupt community structures through complex species interactions, as the hub species identified in the co-occurrence network did not align with those significantly affected by PAHs. This study indicates the potential of PAHs and land use changes to cause biodiversity losses. However, it also highlights the possibility of mitigating these negative effects in riverine sediments through optimal land use management and the promotion of enhanced species interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Tian
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yongrong Hao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Chengkai Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fangshe Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Hisato Iwata
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture 790-8577, Japan
| | - Jiahua Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
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4
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Aizpurua O, Dunn RR, Hansen LH, Gilbert MTP, Alberdi A. Field and laboratory guidelines for reliable bioinformatic and statistical analysis of bacterial shotgun metagenomic data. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:1164-1182. [PMID: 37731336 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2254933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Shotgun metagenomics is an increasingly cost-effective approach for profiling environmental and host-associated microbial communities. However, due to the complexity of both microbiomes and the molecular techniques required to analyze them, the reliability and representativeness of the results are contingent upon the field, laboratory, and bioinformatic procedures employed. Here, we consider 15 field and laboratory issues that critically impact downstream bioinformatic and statistical data processing, as well as result interpretation, in bacterial shotgun metagenomic studies. The issues we consider encompass intrinsic properties of samples, study design, and laboratory-processing strategies. We identify the links of field and laboratory steps with downstream analytical procedures, explain the means for detecting potential pitfalls, and propose mitigation measures to overcome or minimize their impact in metagenomic studies. We anticipate that our guidelines will assist data scientists in appropriately processing and interpreting their data, while aiding field and laboratory researchers to implement strategies for improving the quality of the generated results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostaizka Aizpurua
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Lars H Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - M T P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Museum, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Antton Alberdi
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Li Z, Zhao W, Jiang Y, Wen Y, Li M, Liu L, Zou K. New insights into biologic interpretation of bioinformatic pipelines for fish eDNA metabarcoding: A case study in Pearl River estuary. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122136. [PMID: 39128344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is an emerging tool for monitoring biological communities in aquatic ecosystems. The selection of bioinformatic pipelines significantly impacts the results of biodiversity assessments. However, there is currently no consensus on the appropriate bioinformatic pipelines for fish community analysis in eDNA metabarcoding. In this study, we compared three bioinformatic pipelines (Uparse, DADA2, and UNOISE3) using real and mock (constructed with 15/30 known fish) communities to investigate the differences in biological interpretation during the data analysis process in eDNA metabarcoding. Performance evaluation and diversity analyses revealed that the choice of bioinformatic pipeline could impact the biological results of metabarcoding experiments. Among the three pipelines, the operational taxonomic units (OTU)-based pipeline (Uparse) showed the best performance (sensitivity: 0.6250 ± 0.0166; compositional similarity: 0.4000 ± 0.0571), the highest richness (25-102) and minimal inter-group differences in alpha diversity. It suggested the OTU-based pipeline possessed superior capability in fish diversity monitoring compared to ASV/ZOTU-based pipeline. Additionally, the Bray-Curtis distance matrix achieved the highest discriminative effect in the PCoA (43.3%-53.89%) and inter-group analysis (P < 0.01), indicating it was better at distinguishing compositional differences or specific genera of fish community at different sampling sites than other distance matrices. These findings provide new insights into fish community monitoring through eDNA metabarcoding in estuarine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Li
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wencheng Zhao
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Jiang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjing Wen
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Open-sea Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keshu Zou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Giolai M, Verweij W, Martin S, Pearson N, Nicholson P, Leggett RM, Clark MD. Measuring air metagenomic diversity in an agricultural ecosystem. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3778-3791.e4. [PMID: 39096906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
All species shed DNA during life or in death, providing an opportunity to monitor biodiversity via environmental DNA (eDNA). In recent years, combining eDNA, high-throughput sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and increasingly complete sequence databases has promised a non-invasive and non-destructive environmental monitoring tool. Modern agricultural systems are often large monocultures and so are highly vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Pest and pathogen monitoring in agricultural ecosystems is key for efficient and early disease prevention, lower pesticide use, and better food security. Although the air is rich in biodiversity, it has the lowest DNA concentration of all environmental media and yet is the route for windborne spread of many damaging crop pathogens. Our work suggests that ecosystems can be monitored efficiently using airborne nucleic acid information. Here, we show that the airborne DNA of microbes can be recovered, shotgun sequenced, and taxonomically classified, including down to the species level. We show that by monitoring a field growing key crops we can identify the presence of agriculturally significant pathogens and quantify their changing abundance over a period of 1.5 months, often correlating with weather variables. We add to the evidence that aerial eDNA can be used as a source for biomonitoring in terrestrial ecosystems, specifically highlighting agriculturally relevant species and how pathogen levels correlate with weather conditions. Our ability to detect dynamically changing levels of species and strains highlights the value of airborne eDNA in agriculture, monitoring biodiversity changes, and tracking taxa of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Giolai
- Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK; Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Walter Verweij
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK; Enza Zaden, Enkhuizen 1602 DB, the Netherlands
| | - Samuel Martin
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Neil Pearson
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Paul Nicholson
- Crop Genetics Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
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7
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Vargovčík O, Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Z, Beracko P, Kopáček J, Macko P, Tuhrinová K, Čiampor F. Environmental gradients and optimal fixation time revealed with DNA metabarcoding of benthic sample fixative. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18396. [PMID: 39117754 PMCID: PMC11310421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessments of biodiversity and ecosystem status can benefit from DNA metabarcoding as a means to streamline sample processing and specimen identification. Moreover, processing the fixation medium instead of the precious material introduces straightforward protocols that allow subsequent focus on certain organisms detected among the preserved specimens. In this study, we present a proof of concept via the analysis of freshwater invertebrate samples from the Tatra Mountain lakes (Slovakia). Besides highlighting a match between the lake-specific environmental conditions and the results of our fixative DNA metabarcoding, we observed an option to fine-tune the fixation time: to prefer two weeks over a day or a month. This effect emerged from the presence/absence of individual taxa rather than from coarse per-sample records of taxonomic richness, demonstrating that metabarcoding studies-and efforts to optimize their protocols-can use the robust metrics to explore even subtle trends. We also provide evidence that fixative DNA might better capture large freshwater species than terrestrial or meiofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Vargovčík
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 842 15, Slovakia
- Department of Biodiversity and Ecology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 23, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Čiamporová-Zaťovičová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 842 15, Slovakia.
- Department of Biodiversity and Ecology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 23, Slovakia.
| | - Pavel Beracko
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 842 15, Slovakia
| | - Jiří Kopáček
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Patrik Macko
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 842 15, Slovakia
| | - Kornélia Tuhrinová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 842 15, Slovakia
- Department of Biodiversity and Ecology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 23, Slovakia
| | - Fedor Čiampor
- Department of Biodiversity and Ecology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 23, Slovakia
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Inoue J, Shinzato C, Hirai J, Itoh S, Minegishi Y, Ito SI, Hyodo S. phyloBARCODER: A Web Tool for Phylogenetic Classification of Eukaryote Metabarcodes Using Custom Reference Databases. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae111. [PMID: 38850168 PMCID: PMC11297486 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed phyloBARCODER (https://github.com/jun-inoue/phyloBARCODER), a new web tool that can identify short DNA sequences to the species level using metabarcoding. phyloBARCODER estimates phylogenetic trees based on the uploaded anonymous DNA sequences and reference sequences from databases. Without such phylogenetic contexts, alternative, similarity-based methods independently identify species names and anonymous sequences of the same group by pairwise comparisons between queries and database sequences, with the caveat that they must match exactly or very closely. By putting metabarcoding sequences into a phylogenetic context, phyloBARCODER accurately identifies (i) species or classification of query sequences and (ii) anonymous sequences associated with the same species or even with populations of query sequences, with clear and accurate explanations. Version 1 of phyloBARCODER stores a database comprising all eukaryotic mitochondrial gene sequences. Moreover, by uploading their own databases, phyloBARCODER users can conduct species identification specialized for sequences obtained from a local geographic region or those of nonmitochondrial genes, e.g. ITS or rbcL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inoue
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Junya Hirai
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Sachihiko Itoh
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yuki Minegishi
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Ito
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Susumu Hyodo
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
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9
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Wang J, Liu Z, Ren J, Zhang M, Guan Z, Zhao X, Gao C, Zhang G. A preliminary study characterizing temporal changes in soil bacterial communities after dismembered bones were buried. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1370-1378. [PMID: 38332582 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Determining the burial time of skeletal remains is one of the most important issues of forensic medicine. We speculated that the microbiome of gravesoil may be a promising method to infer burial time by virtue of time-dependent. As we know, forensic scientists have established various models to predict the postmortem interval of a decedent based on the changes in body and soil microbiome communities. However, limited data are available on the burial time prediction for bones, especially dismembered bones. In this exploratory study, we initially conducted 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing on the burial soil of 10 porcine femurs within a 120-day period and analyzed the changes in soil microbial communities. Compared with the control soil, a higher Shannon index in the microbial diversity of burial soil containing bones was observed. Correlation analysis identified 61 time-related bacterial families and the best subset selection method obtained best subset, containing Thermomonosporaceae, Clostridiaceae, 0319-A21, and Oxalobacteraceae, which were used to construct a simplified multiple linear regression model with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 56.69 accumulated degree day (ADD). An additional random forest model was established based on indicators for the minimum cross-validation error of Thermomonosporaceae, Clostridiaceae, 0319-A21, Oxalobacteraceae, and Syntrophobacteraceae, with an MAE of 55.65 ADD. The produced empirical data in this pilot study provided the evidence of feasibility that the microbial successional changes of burial soil will predict the burial time of dismembered bones and may also expand the current knowledge of the effects of bone burial on soil bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zidong Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Ren
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zimeng Guan
- Department of Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xingchun Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cairong Gao
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Gengqian Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
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10
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Geraldi NR, Acinas SG, Alam I, Gasol JM, Fernández-de-Puelles ML, Giner CR, Hernández León S, Logares R, Massana R, Sánchez P, Bajic V, Gojobori T, Duarte CM. Assessing patterns of metazoans in the global ocean using environmental DNA. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240724. [PMID: 39144493 PMCID: PMC11321857 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Documenting large-scale patterns of animals in the ocean and determining the drivers of these patterns is needed for conservation efforts given the unprecedented rates of change occurring within marine ecosystems. We used existing datasets from two global expeditions, Tara Oceans and Malaspina, that circumnavigated the oceans and sampled down to 4000 m to assess metazoans from environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from seawater. We describe patterns of taxonomic richness within metazoan phyla and orders based on metabarcoding and infer the relative abundance of phyla using metagenome datasets, and relate these data to environmental variables. Arthropods had the greatest taxonomic richness of metazoan phyla at the surface, while cnidarians had the greatest richness in pelagic zones. Half of the marine metazoan eDNA from metagenome datasets was from arthropods, followed by cnidarians and nematodes. We found that mean surface temperature and primary productivity were positively related to metazoan taxonomic richness. Our findings concur with existing knowledge that temperature and primary productivity are important drivers of taxonomic richness for specific taxa at the ocean's surface, but these correlations are less evident in the deep ocean. Massive sequencing of eDNA can improve understanding of animal distributions, particularly for the deep ocean where sampling is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Geraldi
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Intikhab Alam
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Josep M. Gasol
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Center for Marine Ecosystem Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Caterina R. Giner
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, UBC-AERL, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Santiago Hernández León
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Telde, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands35214, Spain
| | - Ramiro Logares
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Ramon Massana
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Vladimir Bajic
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Takashi Gojobori
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos M. Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Fueyo Á, Sánchez O, Carleos C, Escudero A, Cordón J, Granero‐Castro J, Borrell YJ. Unlocking rivers' hidden diversity and ecological status using DNA metabarcoding in Northwest Spain. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70110. [PMID: 39100209 PMCID: PMC11294579 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rivers are crucial ecosystems supporting biodiversity and human well-being, yet they face increasing degradation globally. Traditional river biomonitoring methods based on morphological identification of macroinvertebrates present challenges in terms of taxonomic resolution and scalability. This study explores the application of DNA metabarcoding analysis in both bulk and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for comprehensive assessment of macrozoobenthic biodiversity, detection of invasive and endangered species, and evaluation of river ecological status in northwestern Spain. DNA metabarcoding of homogenized bulk samples and water eDNA revealed a mean of 100 and 87 macrozoobenthos species per sample respectively. However, the specific composition was significantly different with only 27.3% of the total species being shared. It was not possible to identify all the OTUs to species level; only 17.43% and 49.4% of the OTUs generated could be identified to species level in the bulk and eDNA samples, respectively. Additionally, a total of 11 exotic species (two first records for the Iberian Peninsula and another three first records for Asturias region) and one endangered species were detected by molecular tools. Molecular methods showed significant correlations with morphological identification for EQR values (Ecological Quality Ratio) of IBMWP index, yet differences in inferred river ecological status were noted, with bulk samples tending to indicate higher status. Overall, DNA metabarcoding offers a promising approach for river biomonitoring, providing insights into biodiversity, invasive species, and ecological status within a single analysis. Further optimization and intercalibration are required for its implementation in routine biomonitoring programmes, but its scalability and multi-tasking capabilities position it as a valuable tool for integrated monitoring of river ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Fueyo
- Environment and Sustainability Area, Taxus Medio AmbienteOviedoSpain
- Department of Functional Biology, GeneticsUniversity of OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Omar Sánchez
- Environment and Sustainability Area, Taxus Medio AmbienteOviedoSpain
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, ZoologyUniversity of OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Carlos Carleos
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research and Mathematics DidacticsUniversity of OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Amando Escudero
- Environment and Sustainability Area, Taxus Medio AmbienteOviedoSpain
| | - Javier Cordón
- Environment and Sustainability Area, Taxus Medio AmbienteOviedoSpain
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12
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Parsley MB, Crespi EJ, Rittenhouse TAG, Brunner JL, Goldberg CS. Environmental DNA concentrations vary greatly across productive and degradative conditions, with implications for the precision of population estimates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17392. [PMID: 39075085 PMCID: PMC11286860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Population size is an important metric to inform the conservation and management of species. For aquatic species, environmental DNA (eDNA) concentration has been suggested for non-invasively estimating population size. However, many biotic and abiotic factors simultaneously influence the production and degradation of eDNA which can alter the relationship between population size and eDNA concentration. We investigated the influence of temperature, salinity, and ranavirus infection on eDNA concentrations using tadpole mesocosms. Using linear regression models, we tested the influence of each experimental treatment on eDNA concentrations at three time points before and during epidemics. Prior to infection, elevated temperatures lowered eDNA concentrations, indicating that degradation was the driving force influencing eDNA concentrations. During early epidemics, no treatments strongly influenced eDNA concentrations and in late epidemics, productive forces dominated as ranavirus intensity and dead organisms increased eDNA concentrations. Finally, population size was only an important predictor of eDNA concentration in late epidemics and we observed high levels of variation between samples of replicate mesocosms. We demonstrate the complexities of several interacting factors influencing productive and degradative forces, variation in influences on eDNA concentration over short time spans, and examine the limitations of estimating population sizes from eDNA with precision in semi-natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan B Parsley
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Erica J Crespi
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Tracy A G Rittenhouse
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jesse L Brunner
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Caren S Goldberg
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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13
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Padró J. Integrating eDNA metabarcoding and citizen science enhances avian ecological research. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 39075731 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Research Highlight: Bourbour et al., 2024. Feeding en route: Prey availability and traits influence prey selection by an avian predator on migration. Journal of Animal Ecology. Diet selection plays a key role in the eco-evolutionary dynamics of animals, exhibiting substantial variability across species, environments and seasons. The complex interplay between movement capability, hunting strategies, habitat use, prey traits and availability shapes the foraging patterns of avian predators. However, detailed information on how these birds exploit their extensive territories remains limited. In this study, Bourbour et al. utilised a novel integration of eDNA metabarcoding and citizen science to explore predator-prey interactions between migrating sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) and an ephemeral avian prey community along North America's Pacific flyway. The research identified 1396 detections from the diet (65 species) of 588 migrating sharp-shinned hawks. Hawks' diet composition correlated with prey abundance indices sourced from the eBird database throughout the migration season, highlighting the significant impact of prey availability-shaped by migration tendency, flocking behaviour, and habitat-on raptor-songbird interactions. Notably, the study also found significant differences in prey size between male and female hawks, indicating that sexual dimorphism has led to diverse foraging strategies during migration. These findings underscore the potential of combining eDNA metabarcoding with citizen science to deepen our understanding of the foraging ecology of highly mobile and wide-ranging birds, as well as to monitor complex and vast ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Padró
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET, SC Bariloche, Argentina
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14
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Korbel KL, Hose GC, Karwautz C, Greenfield P, Wang H, Chariton AA, Griebler C. Detection, movement and persistence of invertebrate eDNA in groundwater. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17151. [PMID: 39060364 PMCID: PMC11282260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67349-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sampling groundwater biodiversity is difficult because of limited access and issues with species identification. Environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a viable alternative to traditional sampling approaches, however limited knowledge of the abundance and fate of DNA in groundwater hinders the interpretation of data from these environments. Groundwater environments are dark and have lower oxygen concentrations and microbial activity than surface waters. Consequently, assumptions about DNA fate in surface ecosystems may not apply to groundwaters. Here, we test the longevity and transport of eDNA in groundwater within a static microcosm and a flow-through mesocosm. A variety of invertebrates were placed within a mesocosm and microcosm to enable DNA shedding, and then removed. DNA persisted for up to 5 weeks after their removal in the static experiment and was detected between 9 and 33 days in the flow-through experiment. Sediments and water both proved important for eDNA detection. Crustacean DNA was detected sporadically and unpredictably, whereas non-crustacean DNA was detected more frequently despite their lower densities. We suggest that detecting crustaceans poses a challenge to utilising eDNA approaches for stygofauna monitoring. This is confounded by the scarcity of sequences for stygofauna in reference databases. Further research is needed before eDNA alone can be routinely employed for stygofauna detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Korbel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - G C Hose
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Karwautz
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Greenfield
- Energy Business Unit, Common wealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Wang
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Workgroup of Limnology and Aquatic Geomicrobiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - A A Chariton
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Múrria C, Wangensteen OS, Somma S, Väisänen L, Fortuño P, Arnedo MA, Prat N. Taxonomic accuracy and complementarity between bulk and eDNA metabarcoding provides an alternative to morphology for biological assessment of freshwater macroinvertebrates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173243. [PMID: 38761946 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Determining biological status of freshwater ecosystems is critical for ensuring ecosystem health and maintaining associated services to such ecosystems. Freshwater macroinvertebrates respond predictably to environmental disturbances and are widely used in biomonitoring programs. However, many freshwater species are difficult to capture and sort from debris or substrate and morphological identification is challenging, especially larval stages, damaged specimens, or hyperdiverse groups such as Diptera. The advent of high throughput sequencing technologies has enhanced DNA barcoding tools to automatise species identification for whole communities, as metabarcoding is increasingly used to monitor biodiversity. However, recent comparisons have revealed little congruence between morphological and molecular-based identifications. Using broad range universal primers for DNA barcode marker cox1, we compare community composition captured between morphological and molecular-based approaches from different sources - tissue-based (bulk benthic and bulk drift samples) and environmental DNA (eDNA, filtered water) metabarcoding - for samples collected along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbances. For comparability, metabarcoding taxonomic assignments were filtered by taxa included in the standardised national biological metric IBMWP. At the family level, bulk benthic metabarcoding showed the highest congruence with morphology, and the most abundant taxa were captured by all techniques. Richness captured by morphology and bulk benthic metabarcoding decreased along the gradient, whereas richness recorded by eDNA remained constant and increased downstream when sequencing bulk drift. Estimates of biological metrics were higher using molecular than morphological identification. At species level, diversity captured by bulk benthic samples were higher than the other techniques. Importantly, bulk benthic and eDNA metabarcoding captured different and complementary portions of the community - benthic versus water column, respectively - and their combined use is recommended. While bulk benthic metabarcoding can likely replace morphology using similar benthic biological indices, water eDNA will require new metrics because this technique sequences a different portion of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesc Múrria
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Grup de Recerca Zoological Systematics & Evolution (ZooSysEvo), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Owen S Wangensteen
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Simona Somma
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Leif Väisänen
- Stream Ecology Research Group, Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Pau Fortuño
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Grup de Recerca Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology and Management (FEHM), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miquel A Arnedo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Grup de Recerca Zoological Systematics & Evolution (ZooSysEvo), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Narcís Prat
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Grup de Recerca Freshwater Ecology, Hydrology and Management (FEHM), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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16
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Miller ML, Rota C, Welsh A. Transforming gastrointestinal helminth parasite identification in vertebrate hosts with metabarcoding: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:311. [PMID: 39030625 PMCID: PMC11265005 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal helminths are a very widespread group of intestinal parasites that can cause major health issues in their hosts, including severe illness or death. Traditional methods of helminth parasite identification using microscopy are time-consuming and poor in terms of taxonomic resolution, and require skilled observers. DNA metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful alternative for assessing community composition in a variety of sample types over the last few decades. While metabarcoding approaches have been reviewed for use in other research areas, the use of metabarcoding for parasites has only recently become widespread. As such, there is a need to synthesize parasite metabarcoding methodology and highlight the considerations to be taken into account when developing a protocol. METHODS We reviewed published literature that utilized DNA metabarcoding to identify gastrointestinal helminth parasites in vertebrate hosts. We extracted information from 62 peer-reviewed papers published between 2014 and 2023 and created a stepwise guide to the metabarcoding process. RESULTS We found that studies in our review varied in technique and methodology, such as the sample type utilized, genetic marker regions targeted and bioinformatic databases used. The main limitations of metabarcoding are that parasite abundance data may not be reliably attained from sequence read numbers, metabarcoding data may not be representative of the species present in the host and the cost and bioinformatic expertise required to utilize this method may be prohibitive to some groups. CONCLUSIONS Overall, using metabarcoding to assess gastrointestinal parasite communities is preferable to traditional methods, yielding higher taxonomic resolution, higher throughput and increased versatility due to its utility in any geographical location, with a variety of sample types, and with virtually any vertebrate host species. Additionally, metabarcoding has the potential for exciting new discoveries regarding host and parasite evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L Miller
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Christopher Rota
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Amy Welsh
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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17
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Lopez MLD, Crichton EM, Allison MJ, Dema AH, Bonderud MT, Helbing CC. Effects of storage conditions on the stability of qPCR reagents: implications for environmental DNA detection. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:199. [PMID: 39026307 PMCID: PMC11264737 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06850-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection is a transformative tool for ecological surveys which in many cases offers greater accuracy and cost-effectiveness for tracking low-density, cryptic species compared to conventional methods. For the use of targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based eDNA detection, protocols typically require freshly prepared reagents for each sample, necessitating systematic evaluation of reagent stability within the functional context of eDNA standard curve preparation and environmental sample evaluation. Herein, we assessed the effects of long-term storage and freeze-thaw cycles on qPCR reagents for eDNA analysis across six assays. RESULTS Results demonstrate qPCR plates (containing pre-made PCR mix, primer-probe, and DNA template) remain stable at 4 °C for three days before thermocycling without fidelity loss irrespective of qPCR assay used. Primer-probe mixes remain stable for five months of - 20 °C storage with monthly freeze-thaw cycles also irrespective of qPCR assay used. Synthetic DNA stocks maintain consistency in standard curves and sensitivity for three months under the same conditions. These findings enhance our comprehension of qPCR reagent stability, facilitating streamlined eDNA workflows by minimizing repetitive reagent preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Louie D Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ellika M Crichton
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - Michael J Allison
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Anna H Dema
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Matthew T Bonderud
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Caren C Helbing
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
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18
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Lewis M, Lainé K, Dawnay L, Lamont D, Scott K, Mariani S, Hӓnfling B, Dawnay N. The forensic potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) in freshwater wildlife crime investigations: From research to application. Sci Justice 2024; 64:443-454. [PMID: 39025568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is widely used in biodiversity, conservation, and ecological studies but despite its successes, similar approaches have not yet been regularly applied to assist in wildlife crime investigations. The purpose of this paper is to review current eDNA methods and assess their potential forensic application in freshwater environments considering collection, transport and persistence, analysis, and interpretation, while identifying additional research required to present eDNA evidence in court. An extensive review of the literature suggests that commonly used collection methods can be easily adapted for forensic frameworks providing they address the appropriate investigative questions and take into consideration the uniqueness of the target species, its habitat, and the requirements of the end user. The use of eDNA methods to inform conservationists, monitor biodiversity and impacts of climate change, and detect invasive species and pathogens shows confidence within the scientific community, making the acceptance of these methods by the criminal justice system highly possible. To contextualise the potential application of eDNA on forensic investigations, two test cases are explored involving i) species detection and ii) species localisation. Recommendations for future work within the forensic eDNA discipline include development of suitable standardised collection methods, considered collection strategies, forensically validated assays and publication of procedures and empirical research studies to support implementation within the legal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lewis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katie Lainé
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK; International Study Centre, Liverpool John Moores University, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Lamont
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK; Forensic Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kirstie Scott
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK; Forensic Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stefano Mariani
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK; Forensic Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bernd Hӓnfling
- Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK; Forensic Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, UK.
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19
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Lu S, Zeng H, Xiong F, Yao M, He S. Advances in environmental DNA monitoring: standardization, automation, and emerging technologies in aquatic ecosystems. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1368-1384. [PMID: 38512561 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, a rapidly advancing technique for assessing biodiversity and ecosystem health, offers a noninvasive approach for detecting and quantifying species from various environmental samples. In this review, a comprehensive overview of current eDNA collection and detection technologies is provided, emphasizing the necessity for standardization and automation in aquatic ecological monitoring. Furthermore, the intricacies of water bodies, from streams to the deep sea, and the associated challenges they pose for eDNA capture and analysis are explored. The paper delineates three primary eDNA survey methods, namely, bringing back water, bringing back filters, and bringing back data, each with specific advantages and constraints in terms of labor, transport, and data acquisition. Additionally, innovations in eDNA sampling equipment, including autonomous drones, subsurface samplers, and in-situ filtration devices, and their applications in monitoring diverse taxa are discussed. Moreover, recent advancements in species-specific detection and eDNA metabarcoding are addressed, highlighting the integration of novel techniques such as CRISPR-Cas and nanopore sequencing that enable precise and rapid detection of biodiversity. The implications of environmental RNA and epigenetic modifications are considered for future applications in providing nuanced ecological data. Lastly, the review stresses the critical role of standardization and automation in enhancing data consistency and comparability for robust long-term biomonitoring. We propose that the amalgamation of these technologies represents a paradigm shift in ecological monitoring, aligning with the urgent call for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suxiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Honghui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Fan Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Meng Yao
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Shunping He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
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20
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Storm MB, Arfaoui EMR, Simelane P, Denlinger J, Dias CA, da Conceição AG, Monadjem A, Bohmann K, Poulsen M, Bodawatta KH. Diet components associated with specific bacterial taxa shape overall gut community compositions in omnivorous African viverrids. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11486. [PMID: 39005885 PMCID: PMC11239323 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut bacterial communities provide flexibility to hosts during dietary changes. Despite the increasing number of studies exploring the associations between broader dietary guilds of mammalian hosts and their gut bacteria, it is generally unclear how diversity and variability in consumed diets link to gut bacterial taxa in wild non-primate mammals, particularly in omnivores. Here, we contribute to filling this gap by exploring consumed diets and gut bacterial community compositions with metabarcoding of faecal samples for two African mammals, Civettictis civetta and Genetta spp., from the family Viverridae. For each individual sample, we characterised bacterial communities and identified dietary taxa by sequencing vertebrate, invertebrate and plant markers. This led us to establish diet compositions that diverged from what has previously been found from visual identification methods. Specifically, while the two genera have been categorised into the same dietary guild, we detected more animal dietary items than plant items in C. civetta, while in Genetta spp., we observed the opposite. We further found that individuals with similar diets have similar gut bacterial communities within both genera. This association tended to be driven by specific links between dietary items and gut bacterial genera, rather than communities as a whole, implying diet-driven selection for specific gut microbes in individual wild hosts. Our findings underline the importance of molecular tools for improving characterisations of omnivorous mammalian diets and highlight the opportunities for simultaneously disentangling links between diets and gut symbionts. Such insights can inform robustness and flexibility in host-microbe symbioses to dietary change associated with seasonal and habitat changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malou B. Storm
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Section for Molecular Ecology and EvolutionGlobe Institute, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Emilia M. R. Arfaoui
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Section for Molecular Ecology and EvolutionGlobe Institute, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Phumlile Simelane
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of EswatiniKwaluseniEswatini
| | | | | | | | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of EswatiniKwaluseniEswatini
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and EntomologyUniversity of PretoriaHatfield, PretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Kristine Bohmann
- Section for Molecular Ecology and EvolutionGlobe Institute, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kasun H. Bodawatta
- Section for Molecular Ecology and EvolutionGlobe Institute, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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21
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Tetzlaff SJ, Katz AD, Wolff PJ, Kleitch ME. Comparison of soil eDNA to camera traps for assessing mammal and bird community composition and site use. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70022. [PMID: 39011132 PMCID: PMC11246831 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Species detections often vary depending on the survey methods employed. Some species may go undetected when using only one approach in community-level inventory and monitoring programs, which has management and conservation implications. We conducted a comparative study of terrestrial mammal and bird detections in the spring and summer of 2021 by placing camera traps at 30 locations across a large military installation in northern Michigan, USA and testing replicate soil samples from these sites for environmental DNA (eDNA) using an established vertebrate metabarcoding assay. We detected a total of 48 taxa from both survey methods: 26 mammalian taxa (excluding humans, 24 to species and two to genus) and 22 avian taxa (21 to species and one to genus). We detected a relatively even distribution of mammalian taxa on cameras (17) and via eDNA analysis (15), with seven taxa detected from both methods. Most medium-to-large carnivores were detected only on cameras, whereas semi-fossorial small mammals were detected only via eDNA analysis. We detected higher bird diversity with camera traps (18 taxa) compared to eDNA analysis (eight taxa; four taxa were detected with both methods), but cameras alone were most effective at detecting smaller birds that frequently occupy arboreal environments. We also used Bayesian spatial occupancy models for two widely distributed game species (white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, and ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus) that were moderately detected with both survey methods and found species-specific site use (occupancy) estimates were similar between cameras and eDNA analysis. Concordant with similar studies, our findings suggest that a combination of camera trap and eDNA surveys could be most useful for assessing the composition of terrestrial mammal communities. Camera traps may be most efficient for assessing bird diversity but can be complemented with eDNA analysis, particularly for species that spend considerable time on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron D. Katz
- Engineer Research and Development CenterChampaignIllinoisUSA
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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22
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Gonçalves VN, Pimenta RS, Lopes FAC, Santos KCR, Silva MC, Convey P, Câmara PEAS, Rosa LH. Fungal and fungal-like diversity present in ornithogenically influenced maritime Antarctic soils assessed using metabarcoding. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300601. [PMID: 38386010 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
We assessed soil fungal and fungal-like diversity using metabarcoding in ornithogenically influenced soils around nests of the bird species Phalacrocorax atriceps, Macronectes giganteus, Pygoscelis antarcticus, and Pygoscelis adelie on the South Shetland Islands, maritime Antarctic. A total of 1,392,784 fungal DNA reads was obtained and assigned to 186 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The dominant fungal phylum was Ascomycota, followed by Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Rozellomycota, Mortierellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Mucoromycota, and the fungal-like Oomycota (Stramenopila), in rank order. Antarctomyces sp., Blastocladiomycota sp., Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Microascaceae sp., Mortierella sp., Lobulomycetales sp., Sordariomycetes sp., Fungal sp., Rhizophydiales sp., Pseudeurotiaceae sp., Chytridiomycota sp. 1, Filobasidiella sp., Tausonia pullulans, Betamyces sp., and Leucosporidium sp. were the most abundant assigned taxa. The fungal assemblages present in the different ornithogenically influenced soils displayed different diversity indices. However, in general, we detected high fungal diversity and few taxa shared between the samples. Despite the polyextreme environmental conditions experienced in these Antarctic soils, the metabarcoding approach detected a rich and complex fungal community dominated by saprophytes, but with some pathogenic taxa also present. The community was dominated by psychrophilic and psychrotolerant taxa, some apparently endemic to Antarctica, and those identified only at higher taxonomic levels, which may represent currently undescribed fungi. The mycobiome detected included taxa characterized by different ecological roles, including saprotrophic, human- and animal-associated, phytopathogenic, mutualistic, and cosmopolitan. These fungi may potentially be dispersed by birds or in the air column over great distances, including between different regions within Antarctica and from South America, Africa, and Oceania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vívian Nicolau Gonçalves
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Raphael Sânzio Pimenta
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Geral e Aplicada, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil
| | - Fabyano A C Lopes
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil
| | - Karita C R Santos
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil
| | - Micheline C Silva
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Las Palmeras, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Paulo E A S Câmara
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Fungos, Algas e Plantas, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Luiz H Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Uhlhorn B, Geißler G, Jiricka-Pürrer A. Exploring the uptake of advanced digital technologies in environmental assessment practice - Experiences from Austria and Germany. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121412. [PMID: 38878571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Environmental assessment (EA) evaluates the environmental impacts of proposed projects, plans or policies to inform decision making. While several studies have highlighted the potential and opportunities of digitalisation for EA, few have explored practitioners' perceptions using a mixed methods approach in order to discover concerns and risks identified by EA of novel technological approaches. In addition, this initial exploratory study examines the perception of benefits and contributions to quality and effectiveness of advanced digital approaches, such as the introduction of artificial intelligence, in EA practice. The research process was based on focus group discussions and exploratory interviews with EA consultants, environmental authorities, researchers, environmental associations and NGOs. Relevant technologies were identified from the existing scientific literature and their applicability, benefits and use were discussed in context of real-world experience made by the practitioner. It became evident that the majority of practitioners in the field of EA in Austria and Germany are not familiar with advanced digital approaches and tools. While other planning disciplines are exploiting the potential of advanced digital tools, EA practitioners still share concerns about data quality, security, legal uncertainties, but also skills and know-how. The study identifies a gap and a need for training and confidence building. It aims to contribute to the promotion of inter- & transdisciplinary exchange involving the wider EA community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Uhlhorn
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences (RALI), Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning (ILEN), Peter Jordan Str. 65, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gesa Geißler
- Technische Universität Berlin, FG Umweltprüfungen, Straße des 17, Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences (RALI), Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning (ILEN), Peter Jordan Str. 65, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
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24
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Marcuk V, Piña-Ortiz A, Castillo-Guerrero JA, Masello JF, Bustamante P, Griep S, Quillfeldt P. Trophic plasticity of a tropical seabird revealed through DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analyses. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106627. [PMID: 38968803 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis have significantly advanced our understanding of marine trophic ecology, aiding systematic research on foraging habits and species conservation. In this study, we employed these methods to analyse faecal and blood samples, respectively, to compare the trophic ecology of two Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethonaethereus; Linnaeus, 1758) colonies on Mexican islands in the Pacific. Trophic patterns among different breeding stages were also examined at both colonies. Dietary analysis reveals a preference for epipelagic fish, cephalopods, and small crustaceans, with variations between colonies and breeding stages. Isotopic values (δ15N and δ13C) align with DNA metabarcoding results, with wider niches during incubation stages. Differences in diet are linked to environmental conditions and trophic plasticity among breeding stages, influenced by changing physiological requirements and prey availability. Variations in dietary profiles reflect contrasting environmental conditions affecting local prey availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Marcuk
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Alberto Piña-Ortiz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - José Alfredo Castillo-Guerrero
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de la Zona Costera, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Municipio de Cihuatlán, Jalisco, C.P. 48980, Mexico.
| | - Juan F Masello
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Germany; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- LIttoral, Environnement et Societés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Sven Griep
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, D-35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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25
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Tuliebieke T, Abdullah, Zhang H, Yan R, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Ahmed I, Li T, Tian X. Exploring the biological diversity and source species of medicinal horseflies through metabarcoding. Gene 2024; 913:148356. [PMID: 38462022 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Horseflies from the Tabanidae family play a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, headaches, liver cirrhosis, psoriasis, and hepatic carcinoma. There are 27 species of Tabaninae (Tabanidae) used as medicine, and they showed high morphological similarities with those for which medicinal properties have not been reported. Nonetheless, there have been reports suggesting that medicinal crude drugs sometimes contain irrelevant or false species, impacting the drug's efficacy. In this current study, we collected 14 batches, totaling 13,528 individuals, from various provinces in China. Instead of "classic" DNA barcoding strategy, we employed a high-throughput metabarcoding approach to assess the biological composition of crude drug mixtures derived from horseflies. Our analysis identified 40 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) with similarity percentages ranging from 92% to 100% with 12 previously reported species. Species delimitation methods revealed the presence of 11 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs), with ten belonging to the Tabanus genus and one to Hybomitra. Tabanus sp6 displayed the highest relative abundance, and its ASVs showed close resemblance to Tabanus pleski. Our investigations revealed that the medicinal batches were biologically composed of 6 to 12 species. Some batches contained ASVs that closely resembled species previously associated with false Tabanus species. In conclusion, our findings offer valuable insights into the biological composition of crude drugs derived from horseflies and have the potential to enhance the quality of these traditional medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenukeguli Tuliebieke
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Abdullah
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Huanyu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Rushan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Ibrar Ahmed
- Alpha Genomics Private Limited, Islamabad 45710, Pakistan; Microbiological Analysis Team, Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards Band Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tianxiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Xiaoxuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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26
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Li Z, Xu K, Meng M, Xu Y, Ji D, Wang W, Xie C. Environmental heterogeneity caused by large-scale cultivation of Pyropia haitanensis shapes multi-group biodiversity distribution in coastal areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172692. [PMID: 38663622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The response of marine biodiversity to mariculture has long been a research focus in marine ecology. However, the effects of seaweed cultivation on biological community assembly are poorly understood, especially in diverse communities with distinct ecological characteristics. In this study, we used environmental DNA metabarcoding to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of bacterial, protistan, and metazoan diversity, aiming to reveal the mechanisms of community assembly in the Pyropia haitanensis cultivation zone along the Fujian coast, China. We found that, compared with the biological communities in control zones, those in P. haitanensis cultivation zones exhibited stronger geographic distance-decay patterns and displayed more complex and stable network structures. Deterministic processes (environmental selection) played a more important role in the assembly of bacterial, protistan, and metazoan communities in P. haitanensis cultivation zones, especially metazoan communities. Variance partitioning analysis showed that environmental variables made greater contributions to the diversity of the three types of communities within the P. haitanensis cultivation zones than in the control zones. Partial least squares path modeling analysis identified nitrate‑nitrogen (NO3-N), pH, particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as the key environmental variables affecting biodiversity. Overall, the environmental heterogeneity caused by the large-scale cultivation of P. haitanensis could be the crucial factor influencing the composition and structure of various biological communities. Our results highlight the importance of the responses of multi-group organisms to the cultivation of seaweed, and provide insights into the coexistence patterns of biodiversity at the spatial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongtang Li
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Muhan Meng
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Dehua Ji
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Wenlei Wang
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China.
| | - Chaotian Xie
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Xiamen, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Ningde 352100, China.
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27
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Dreyling L, Boch S, Lumbsch HT, Schmitt I. Surveying lichen diversity in forests: A comparison of expert mapping and eDNA metabarcoding of bark surfaces. MycoKeys 2024; 106:153-172. [PMID: 38948916 PMCID: PMC11214015 DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.106.117540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lichens are an important part of forest ecosystems, contributing to forest biodiversity, the formation of micro-niches and nutrient cycling. Assessing the diversity of lichenised fungi in complex ecosystems, such as forests, requires time and substantial skills in collecting and identifying lichens. The completeness of inventories thus largely depends on the expertise of the collector, time available for the survey and size of the studied area. Molecular methods of surveying biodiversity hold the promise to overcome these challenges. DNA barcoding of individual lichen specimens and bulk collections is already being applied; however, eDNA methods have not yet been evaluated as a tool for lichen surveys. Here, we assess which species of lichenised fungi can be detected in eDNA swabbed from bark surfaces of living trees in central European forests. We compare our findings to an expert floristic survey carried out in the same plots about a decade earlier. In total, we studied 150 plots located in three study regions across Germany. In each plot, we took one composite sample based on six trees, belonging to the species Fagussylvatica, Piceaabies and Pinussylvestris. The eDNA method yielded 123 species, the floristic survey 87. The total number of species found with both methods was 167, of which 48% were detected only in eDNA, 26% only in the floristic survey and 26% in both methods. The eDNA contained a higher diversity of inconspicuous species. Many prevalent taxa reported in the floristic survey could not be found in the eDNA due to gaps in molecular reference databases. We conclude that, currently, eDNA has merit as a complementary tool to monitor lichen biodiversity at large scales, but cannot be used on its own. We advocate for the further development of specialised and more complete databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Dreyling
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, GermanySenckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F)Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt am Main, GermanyGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Steffen Boch
- WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, SwitzerlandWSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape ResearchBirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - H. Thorsten Lumbsch
- Collections, Conservation, and Research, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605-2496, USAThe Field MuseumChicagoUnited States of America
| | - Imke Schmitt
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, GermanySenckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F)Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Frankfurt am Main, GermanyGoethe University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
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28
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DiBattista JD, Fowler AM, Shalders TC, Williams RJ, Wilkinson S. Tree of life metabarcoding can serve as a biotic benchmark for shifting baselines in urbanized estuaries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119454. [PMID: 38906450 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Urbanization of estuaries drastically changed existing shorelines and bathymetric contours, in turn modifying habitat for marine foundational species that host critical biodiversity. And yet we lack approaches to characterize a significant fraction of the biota that inhabit these ecosystems on time scales that align with rates of urbanization. Environmental DNA (or eDNA) metabarcoding that combines multiple assays targeting a broad range of taxonomic groups can provide a solution, but we need to determine whether the biological communities it detects ally with different habitats in these changing aquatic environments. In this study, we tested whether tree of life metabarcoding (ToL-metabarcoding) data extracted from filtered seawater samples correlated with four known geomorphic habitat zones across a heavily urbanized estuary (Sydney Harbour, Australia). Using this method, we substantially expanded our knowledge on the composition and spatial distribution of marine biodiversity across the tree of life in Sydney Harbour, particularly for organisms where existing records are sparse. Excluding terrestrial DNA inputs, we identified significant effects of both distance from the mouth of Sydney Harbour and geomorphic zone on biological community structure in the ToL-metabarcoding dataset (entire community), as well as in each of the taxonomic subgroups that we considered (fish, macroinvertebrates, algae and aquatic plants, bacteria). This effect appeared to be driven by taxa as a collective versus a few individual taxa, with each taxon explaining no more than 0.62% of the variation between geomorphic zones. Similarly, taxonomic richness was significantly higher within geomorphic zones with large sample sizes, but also decreased by 1% with each additional kilometer from the estuary mouth, a result consistent with a reduction in tidal inputs and available habitat in upper catchments. Based on these results, we suggest that ToL-metabarcoding can be used to benchmark biological monitoring in other urbanized estuaries globally, and in Sydney Harbour at future time points based on detection of bioindicators across the tree of life. We also suggest that robust biotic snapshots can be archived following extensive curation of taxonomic assignments that incorporates ecological affinities, supported by records from relevant and regional biodiversity repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D DiBattista
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia; Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Ashley M Fowler
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia.
| | - Tanika C Shalders
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia.
| | - Robert J Williams
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries (retired), Australia.
| | - Shaun Wilkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.
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29
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Bourbour RP, Aylward CM, Meehan TD, Martinico BL, Badger ME, Goodbla AM, Fish AM, Ely TE, Briggs CW, Hull EM. Feeding en route: Prey availability and traits influence prey selection by an avian predator on migration. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38881237 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
During animal migration, ephemeral communities of taxa at all trophic levels co-occur over space and time. The interactions between predators and prey along migration corridors are ecologically and evolutionarily significant. However, these interactions remain understudied in terrestrial systems and warrant further investigations using novel approaches. We investigated the predator-prey interactions between a migrating avivorous predator and ephemeral avian prey community in the fall migration season. We tested for associations between avian traits and prey selection and hypothesized that prey traits (i.e. relative size, flocking behaviour, habitat, migration tendency and availability) would influence prey selection by a sexually dimorphic raptor on migration. To document prey consumption, we sampled trace prey DNA from beaks and talons of migrating sharp-shinned hawks Accipiter striatus (n = 588). We determined prey availability in the ephemeral avian community by extracting weekly abundance indices from eBird Status and Trends data. We used discrete choice models to assess prey selection and visualized the frequency of prey in diet and availability on the landscape over the fall migration season. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we detected prey species on 94.1% of the hawks sampled (n = 525/588) comprising 1396 prey species detections from 65 prey species. Prey frequency in diet and eBird relative abundance of prey species were correlated over the migration season for top-selected prey species, suggesting prey availability is an important component of raptor-songbird interactions during fall. Prey size, flocking behaviour and non-breeding habitat association were prey traits that significantly influenced predator choice. We found differences between female and male hawk prey selection, suggesting that sexual size dimorphism has led to distinct foraging strategies on migration. This research integrated field data collected by a volunteer-powered raptor migration monitoring station and public-generated data from eBird to reveal elusive predator-prey dynamics occurring in an ephemeral raptor-songbird community during fall migration. Understanding dynamic raptor-songbird interactions along migration routes remains a relatively unexplored frontier in animal ecology and is necessary for the conservation and management efforts of migratory and resident communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Bourbour
- Department of Animal Science and Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cody M Aylward
- Department of Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology and Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Breanna L Martinico
- Department of Animal Science and Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mary E Badger
- Department of Animal Science and Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Animal Science and Genomics Variation Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alisha M Goodbla
- Department of Animal Science and Genomics Variation Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Allen M Fish
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Teresa E Ely
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christopher W Briggs
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
- College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Elisha M Hull
- Department of Animal Science and Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco, California, USA
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Rabelo NG, Gonçalves VN, Carvalho MA, Scheffler SM, Santiago G, Sucerquia PA, Oliveira FS, Campos LP, Lopes FAC, Santos KCR, Silva MC, Convey P, Câmara PEAS, Rosa LH. Endolithic Fungal Diversity in Antarctic Oligocene Rock Samples Explored Using DNA Metabarcoding. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:414. [PMID: 38927294 PMCID: PMC11200754 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the fungal diversity present associated with cores of Oligocene rocks using a DNA metabarcoding approach. We detected 940,969 DNA reads grouped into 198 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, Rozellomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Zoopagomycota, Aphelidiomycota (Fungi) and the fungal-like Oomycota (Stramenopila), in rank abundance order. Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Aspergillaceae sp. and Diaporthaceae sp. were assessed to be dominant taxa, with 22 fungal ASVs displaying intermediate abundance and 170 being minor components of the assigned fungal diversity. The data obtained displayed high diversity indices, while rarefaction indicated that the majority of the diversity was detected. However, the diversity indices varied between the cores analysed. The endolithic fungal community detected using a metabarcoding approach in the Oligocene rock samples examined contains a rich and complex mycobiome comprising taxa with different lifestyles, comparable with the diversity reported in recent studies of a range of Antarctic habitats. Due to the high fungal diversity detected, our results suggest the necessity of further research to develop strategies to isolate these fungi in culture for evolutionary, physiological, and biogeochemical studies, and to assess their potential role in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natana G. Rabelo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (N.G.R.); (V.N.G.)
| | - Vívian N. Gonçalves
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (N.G.R.); (V.N.G.)
| | - Marcelo A. Carvalho
- Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20940-040, Brazil; (M.A.C.); (S.M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Sandro M. Scheffler
- Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20940-040, Brazil; (M.A.C.); (S.M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Gustavo Santiago
- Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20940-040, Brazil; (M.A.C.); (S.M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Paula A. Sucerquia
- Departmento de Geologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-540, Brazil;
| | - Fabio S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Geografia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (F.S.O.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Larissa P. Campos
- Departamento de Geografia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (F.S.O.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Fabyano A. C. Lopes
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Porto Nacional 77500-000, Brazil; (F.A.C.L.); (K.C.R.S.)
| | - Karita C. R. Santos
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Porto Nacional 77500-000, Brazil; (F.A.C.L.); (K.C.R.S.)
| | - Micheline C. Silva
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70297-400, Brazil; (M.C.S.)
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK;
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams 6350000, Chile
| | - Paulo E. A. S. Câmara
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70297-400, Brazil; (M.C.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fungos, Algas e Plantas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz H. Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (N.G.R.); (V.N.G.)
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Blackman R, Couton M, Keck F, Kirschner D, Carraro L, Cereghetti E, Perrelet K, Bossart R, Brantschen J, Zhang Y, Altermatt F. Environmental DNA: The next chapter. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17355. [PMID: 38624076 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Molecular tools are an indispensable part of ecology and biodiversity sciences and implemented across all biomes. About a decade ago, the use and implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect biodiversity signals extracted from environmental samples opened new avenues of research. Initial eDNA research focused on understanding population dynamics of target species. Its scope thereafter broadened, uncovering previously unrecorded biodiversity via metabarcoding in both well-studied and understudied ecosystems across all taxonomic groups. The application of eDNA rapidly became an established part of biodiversity research, and a research field by its own. Here, we revisit key expectations made in a land-mark special issue on eDNA in Molecular Ecology in 2012 to frame the development in six key areas: (1) sample collection, (2) primer development, (3) biomonitoring, (4) quantification, (5) behaviour of DNA in the environment and (6) reference database development. We pinpoint the success of eDNA, yet also discuss shortfalls and expectations not met, highlighting areas of research priority and identify the unexpected developments. In parallel, our retrospective couples a screening of the peer-reviewed literature with a survey of eDNA users including academics, end-users and commercial providers, in which we address the priority areas to focus research efforts to advance the field of eDNA. With the rapid and ever-increasing pace of new technical advances, the future of eDNA looks bright, yet successful applications and best practices must become more interdisciplinary to reach its full potential. Our retrospect gives the tools and expectations towards concretely moving the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosetta Blackman
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marjorie Couton
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - François Keck
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Kirschner
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Landscape Dynamics & Ecology, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Luca Carraro
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Cereghetti
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kilian Perrelet
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Urban Water Management, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Bossart
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jeanine Brantschen
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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32
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Schoenle A, Scepanski D, Floß A, Büchel P, Koblitz AK, Scherwaß A, Arndt H, Waldvogel AM. The dilemma of underestimating freshwater biodiversity: morphological and molecular approaches. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:69. [PMID: 38802764 PMCID: PMC11131255 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthropogenic impacts on freshwater habitats are causing a recent biodiversity decline far greater than that documented for most terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge and description of freshwater biodiversity is still limited, especially targeting all size classes to uncover the distribution of biodiversity between different trophic levels. We assessed the biodiversity of the Lower Rhine and associated water bodies in the river's flood plain including the river's main channel, oxbows and gravel-pit lakes, spanning from the level of protists up to the level of larger invertebrate predators and herbivores organized in size classes (nano-, micro, meio- and macrofauna). Morphological diversity was determined by morphotypes, while the molecular diversity (amplicon sequencing variants, ASVs) was assessed through eDNA samples with metabarcoding targeting the V9 region of the 18S rDNA. RESULTS Considering all four investigated size classes, the percentage of shared taxa between both approaches eDNA (ASVs with 80-100% sequence similarity to reference sequences) and morphology (morphotypes), was always below 15% (5.4 ± 3.9%). Even with a more stringent filtering of ASVs (98-100% similarity), the overlap of taxa could only reach up to 43% (18.3 ± 12%). We observed low taxonomic resolution of reference sequences from freshwater organisms in public databases for all size classes, especially for nano-, micro-, and meiofauna, furthermore lacking metainformation if species occur in freshwater, marine or terrestrial ecosystems. CONCLUSIONS In our study, we provide a combination of morphotype detection and metabarcoding that particularly reveals the diversity in the smaller size classes and furthermore highlights the lack of genetic resources in reference databases for this diversity. Especially for protists (nano- and microfauna), a combination of molecular and morphological approaches is needed to gain the highest possible community resolution. The assessment of freshwater biodiversity needs to account for its sub-structuring in different ecological size classes and across compartments in order to reveal the ecological dimension of diversity and its distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schoenle
- Ecological Genomics, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Scepanski
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Floß
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pascal Büchel
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Koblitz
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Scherwaß
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hartmut Arndt
- General Ecology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Ann-Marie Waldvogel
- Ecological Genomics, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Perry WB, Seymour M, Orsini L, Jâms IB, Milner N, Edwards F, Harvey R, de Bruyn M, Bista I, Walsh K, Emmett B, Blackman R, Altermatt F, Lawson Handley L, Mächler E, Deiner K, Bik HM, Carvalho G, Colbourne J, Cosby BJ, Durance I, Creer S. An integrated spatio-temporal view of riverine biodiversity using environmental DNA metabarcoding. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4372. [PMID: 38782932 PMCID: PMC11116482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48640-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenically forced changes in global freshwater biodiversity demand more efficient monitoring approaches. Consequently, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is enabling ecosystem-scale biodiversity assessment, yet the appropriate spatio-temporal resolution of robust biodiversity assessment remains ambiguous. Here, using intensive, spatio-temporal eDNA sampling across space (five rivers in Europe and North America, with an upper range of 20-35 km between samples), time (19 timepoints between 2017 and 2018) and environmental conditions (river flow, pH, conductivity, temperature and rainfall), we characterise the resolution at which information on diversity across the animal kingdom can be gathered from rivers using eDNA. In space, beta diversity was mainly dictated by turnover, on a scale of tens of kilometres, highlighting that diversity measures are not confounded by eDNA from upstream. Fish communities showed nested assemblages along some rivers, coinciding with habitat use. Across time, seasonal life history events, including salmon and eel migration, were detected. Finally, effects of environmental conditions were taxon-specific, reflecting habitat filtering of communities rather than effects on DNA molecules. We conclude that riverine eDNA metabarcoding can measure biodiversity at spatio-temporal scales relevant to species and community ecology, demonstrating its utility in delivering insights into river community ecology during a time of environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bernard Perry
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor (MEEB), School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK.
- Water Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | | | - Luisa Orsini
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ifan Bryn Jâms
- Water Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Nigel Milner
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor (MEEB), School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - François Edwards
- APEM Ltd, A17 Embankment Business Park, Heaton Mersey, Manchester, SK4 3GN, UK
| | - Rachel Harvey
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Mark de Bruyn
- Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Iliana Bista
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333, Leiden, Netherlands
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Kerry Walsh
- Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Bridget Emmett
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Rosetta Blackman
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Evolutionary Biology Group (@EvoHull), Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull (UoH), Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lori Lawson Handley
- Evolutionary Biology Group (@EvoHull), Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull (UoH), Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Elvira Mächler
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Kristy Deiner
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics (IBP), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holly M Bik
- Department of Marine Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA
| | - Gary Carvalho
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor (MEEB), School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - John Colbourne
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Bernard Jack Cosby
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Isabelle Durance
- Water Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Simon Creer
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor (MEEB), School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK.
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Li W, Hou X, Zhu Y, Du J, Xu C, Yang J, Li Y. eDNA Metabarcoding Reveals the Species-Area Relationship of Amphibians on the Zhoushan Archipelago. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1519. [PMID: 38891566 PMCID: PMC11171295 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The species-area relationship is important for understanding species diversity patterns at spatial scales, but few studies have examined the relationship using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. We investigated amphibian diversity on 21 islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago and nearby mainland areas in China using the combination of eDNA metabarcoding and the traditional line transect method (TLTM) and identified the species-area relationship for amphibians on the islands. The mean detection probability of eDNA is 0.54, while the mean detection probability of TLTM is 0.24. The eDNA metabarcoding detected eight amphibian species on the islands and nine species in the mainland areas, compared with seven species on the islands and nine species in the mainland areas that were identified by TLTM. Amphibian richness on the islands increased with island area and habitat diversity. The species-area relationship for amphibians in the archipelago was formulated as the power function (S = 0.47A0.21) or exponential function (S = 2.59 + 2.41 (logA)). Our results suggested that eDNA metabarcoding is more sensitive for the detection of amphibian species. The combined use of eDNA metabarcoding and the traditional line transect method may optimize the survey results for amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xianglei Hou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunlong Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiacong Du
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Chunxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingyuan Yang
- Shengnongjia National Park Administration, Huibei Provincial Key Laboratory on Conservation Biology of the Shennongjia Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey, Shennongjia 442421, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
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Dan ME, Portner EJ, Bowman JS, Semmens BX, Owens SM, Greenwald SM, Choy CA. Using low volume eDNA methods to sample pelagic marine animal assemblages. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303263. [PMID: 38748719 PMCID: PMC11095688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly useful method for detecting pelagic animals in the ocean but typically requires large water volumes to sample diverse assemblages. Ship-based pelagic sampling programs that could implement eDNA methods generally have restrictive water budgets. Studies that quantify how eDNA methods perform on low water volumes in the ocean are limited, especially in deep-sea habitats with low animal biomass and poorly described species assemblages. Using 12S rRNA and COI gene primers, we quantified assemblages comprised of micronekton, coastal forage fishes, and zooplankton from low volume eDNA seawater samples (n = 436, 380-1800 mL) collected at depths of 0-2200 m in the southern California Current. We compared diversity in eDNA samples to concurrently collected pelagic trawl samples (n = 27), detecting a higher diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate groups in the eDNA samples. Differences in assemblage composition could be explained by variability in size-selectivity among methods and DNA primer suitability across taxonomic groups. The number of reads and amplicon sequences variants (ASVs) did not vary substantially among shallow (<200 m) and deep samples (>600 m), but the proportion of invertebrate ASVs that could be assigned a species-level identification decreased with sampling depth. Using hierarchical clustering, we resolved horizontal and vertical variability in marine animal assemblages from samples characterized by a relatively low diversity of ecologically important species. Low volume eDNA samples will quantify greater taxonomic diversity as reference libraries, especially for deep-dwelling invertebrate species, continue to expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E. Dan
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Elan J. Portner
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jeff S. Bowman
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Brice X. Semmens
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Owens
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Greenwald
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, United States of America
| | - C. Anela Choy
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Combe M, Cherif E, Deremarque T, Rivera-Ingraham G, Seck-Thiam F, Justy F, Doudou JC, Carod JF, Carage T, Procureur A, Gozlan RE. Wastewater sequencing as a powerful tool to reveal SARS-CoV-2 variant introduction and spread in French Guiana, South America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171645. [PMID: 38479523 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The origin of introduction of a new pathogen in a country, the evolutionary dynamics of an epidemic within a country, and the role of cross-border areas on pathogen dynamics remain complex to disentangle and are often poorly understood. For instance, cross-border areas represent the ideal location for the sharing of viral variants between countries, with international air travel, land travel and waterways playing an important role in the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, monitoring the point of entry and the evolutionary dynamics of viruses in space and time within local populations remain challenging. Here we tested the efficiency of wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping in monitoring Covid-19 epidemiology and SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics in French Guiana, a tropical country located in South America. Our results suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping are powerful tools to monitor variant introduction and disease evolution within a tropical country but the inclusion of both clinical and wastewater samples could still improve our understanding of genetic diversity co-circulating. Wastewater sequencing also revealed the cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the country. Interestingly, we found some amino acid changes specific to the variants co-circulating in French Guiana, suggesting a local evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants after their introduction. More importantly, our results showed that the proximity to bordering countries was not the origin of the emergence of the French Guianese B.1.160.25 variant, but rather that this variant emerged from an ancestor B.1.160 variant introduced by European air plane travelers, suggesting thus that air travel remains a significant risk for cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Overall, we suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping provides a cost effective and non-invasive approach for pathogen monitoring and an early-warning tool for disease emergence and spread within a tropical country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Combe
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emira Cherif
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Georgina Rivera-Ingraham
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France; Centre IRD de Cayenne, Guyane Française, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-François Carod
- Laboratoire et Pôle Appui aux Fonctions Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier de l'Ouest Guyanais (CHOG), 97320 Saint-Laurent du Maroni, Guyane Française, France
| | - Thierry Carage
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Carage de Kourou, 6 avenue Leopold Heder, 97310 Kourou, Guyane Française, France
| | - Angélique Procureur
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Carage de Kourou, 6 avenue Leopold Heder, 97310 Kourou, Guyane Française, France
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Gaetano AS, Semeraro S, Greco S, Greco E, Cain A, Perrone MG, Pallavicini A, Licen S, Fornasaro S, Barbieri P. Bioaerosol Sampling Devices and Pretreatment for Bacterial Characterization: Theoretical Differences and a Field Experience in a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Microorganisms 2024; 12:965. [PMID: 38792794 PMCID: PMC11124041 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies on bioaerosol bacterial biodiversity have relevance in both ecological and health contexts, and molecular methods, such as 16S rRNA gene-based barcoded sequencing, provide efficient tools for the analysis of airborne bacterial communities. Standardized methods for sampling and analysis of bioaerosol DNA are lacking, thus hampering the comparison of results from studies implementing different devices and procedures. Three samplers that use gelatin filtration, swirling aerosol collection, and condensation growth tubes for collecting bioaerosol at an aeration tank of a wastewater treatment plant in Trieste (Italy) were used to determine the bacterial biodiversity. Wastewater samples were collected directly from the untreated sewage to obtain a true representation of the microbiological community present in the plant. Different samplers and collection media provide an indication of the different grades of biodiversity, with condensation growth tubes and DNA/RNA shieldTM capturing the richer bacterial genera. Overall, in terms of relative abundance, the air samples have a lower number of bacterial genera (64 OTUs) than the wastewater ones (75 OTUs). Using the metabarcoding approach to aerosol samples, we provide the first preliminary step toward the understanding of a significant diversity between different air sampling systems, enabling the scientific community to orient research towards the most informative sampling strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Serena Gaetano
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Samuele Greco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Enrico Greco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Cain
- ACEGAS APS AMGA S.p.a., Via degli Alti Forni, 11, 34121 Trieste, Italy;
| | | | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sabina Licen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefano Fornasaro
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
| | - Pierluigi Barbieri
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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Hogg CJ. Translating genomic advances into biodiversity conservation. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:362-373. [PMID: 38012268 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A key action of the new Global Biodiversity Framework is the maintenance of genetic diversity in all species to safeguard their adaptive potential. To achieve this goal, a translational mindset, which aims to convert results of basic research into direct practical benefits, needs to be applied to biodiversity conservation. Despite much discussion on the value of genomics to conservation, a disconnect between those generating genomic resources and those applying it to biodiversity management remains. As global efforts to generate reference genomes for non-model species increase, investment into practical biodiversity applications is critically important. Applications such as understanding population and multispecies diversity and longitudinal monitoring need support alongside education for policymakers on integrating the data into evidence-based decisions. Without such investment, the opportunity to revolutionize global biodiversity conservation using genomics will not be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Schenekar T, Baxter J, Phukuntsi MA, Sedlmayr I, Weckworth B, Mwale M. Optimizing waterborne eDNA capture from waterholes in savanna systems under remote field conditions. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13942. [PMID: 38390664 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is used for biodiversity assessments in a variety of ecosystems across the globe, whereby different eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods can outperform others depending on the sampling conditions and environment. Tropical and subtropical ecosystems in Africa are among the less studied systems concerning eDNA-based monitoring. Waterholes in arid parts of southern Africa represent important agglomeration points for terrestrial mammals, and the eDNA shed into such waterbodies provides a powerful source of information for monitoring mammalian biodiversity in the surrounding area. However, the applied methods for eDNA sampling, preservation and filtering in different freshwater systems vary greatly, and rigorous protocol testing in African freshwater systems is still lacking. This study represents the first attempt to examine variations in eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods under remote field conditions using waterborne eDNA in a savanna system. Collected samples were heavily affected by microalgal and bacterial growth, impeding eDNA capture and PCR success. We demonstrate clear effects of the methodological choices, which also depend on the state of eDNA. A preliminary metabarcoding run showed little taxonomic overlap in mammal species detection between two metabarcoding primers tested. We recommend water filtering (using filters with pore sizes >1 μm) over centrifugation for eDNA concentration, Longmire's solution for ambient temperature sample preservation and Qiagen's DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit for DNA extraction of these inhibitor-prone samples. Furthermore, at least two independent metabarcoding markers should be utilized in order to maximize species detections in metabarcoding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janine Baxter
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Metlholo Andries Phukuntsi
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Environmental Observation Network, Egagasini Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Monica Mwale
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
- NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa
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40
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van der Pouw Kraan D, Graham CT, Kavanagh F, Mirimin L. Development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit using a high-throughput qPCR platform: A case study of Irish shellfish species. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13945. [PMID: 38429942 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of marine life has been enhanced in recent years by the integration of innovative DNA-based approaches, which offer advantages over more laborious techniques (e.g. microscopy). However, trade-offs between throughput, sensitivity and quantitative measurements must be made when choosing between the prevailing molecular methodologies (i.e. metabarcoding or qPCR/dPCR). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the utility of a microfluidic-enabled high-throughput quantitative PCR platform (HTqPCR) for the rapid and cost-effective development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit, using larvae of 23 commercially targeted bivalve and crustacean species as a case study. The workflow was divided into three main phases: definition of (off-) target taxa and establishment of reference databases (PHASE 1); selection/development and assessment of molecular assays (PHASE 2); and protocol optimization and field validation (PHASE 3). 42 assays were eventually chosen and validated. Genetic signal not only showed good correlation with direct visual counts by microscopy but also showed the ability to provide quantitative data at the highest taxonomic resolution (species level) in a time- and cost-effective fashion. This study developed a biomonitoring toolkit, demonstrating the considerable advantages of this state-of-the-art technology in boosting the developmental testing and application of panels of molecular assays for the monitoring and management of natural resources. Once developed, this approach provides a cost and time-effective alternative compared to other multi-species approaches (e.g. metabarcoding). In addition, it is transferable to a wide range of species and will aid future monitoring programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis van der Pouw Kraan
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Conor T Graham
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Fiona Kavanagh
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Luca Mirimin
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
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41
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Mu Y, Zhang J, Yang J, Wu J, Zhang Y, Yu H, Zhang X. Enhancing amphibian biomonitoring through eDNA metabarcoding. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13931. [PMID: 38345249 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Surveying biodiversity has taken a quantum leap with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, an immensely powerful approach lauded for its efficiency, sensitivity, and non-invasiveness. This approach emerges as a game-changer for the elusive realm of endangered and rare species-think nocturnal, environmentally elusive amphibians. Here, we have established a framework for constructing a reliable metabarcoding pipeline for amphibians, covering primer design, performance evaluation, laboratory validation, and field validation processes. The Am250 primer, located on the mitochondrial 16S gene, was optimal for the eDNA monitoring of amphibians, which demonstrated higher taxonomic resolution, smaller species amplification bias, and more extraordinary detection ability compared to the other primers tested. Am250 primer exhibit an 83.8% species amplification rate and 75.4% accurate species identification rate for Chinese amphibians in the in silico PCR and successfully amplified all tested species of the standard samples in the in vitro assay. Furthermore, the field-based mesocosm experiment showed that DNA can still be detected by metabarcoding even days to weeks after organisms have been removed from the mesocosm. Moreover, field mesocosm findings indicate that eDNA metabarcoding primers exhibit different read abundances, which can affect the relative biomass of species. Thus, appropriate primers should be screened and evaluated by three experimental approaches: in silico PCR simulation, target DNA amplification, and mesocosm eDNA validation. The selection of a single primer set or multiple primers' combination should be based on the monitoring groups to improve the species detection rate and the credibility of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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42
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Clark AJ, Atkinson SR, Scarponi V, Cane T, Geraldi NR, Hendy IW, Shipway JR, Peck M. Cost-effort analysis of Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and environmental DNA (eDNA) in monitoring marine ecological communities. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17091. [PMID: 38708339 PMCID: PMC11067900 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the diversity and distribution of species in an ecosystem is essential to assess the success of restoration strategies. Implementing biomonitoring methods, which provide a comprehensive assessment of species diversity and mitigate biases in data collection, holds significant importance in biodiversity research. Additionally, ensuring that these methods are cost-efficient and require minimal effort is crucial for effective environmental monitoring. In this study we compare the efficiency of species detection, the cost and the effort of two non-destructive sampling techniques: Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to survey marine vertebrate species. Comparisons were conducted along the Sussex coast upon the introduction of the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw. This Byelaw aims to boost the recovery of the dense kelp beds and the associated biodiversity that existed in the 1980s. We show that overall BRUV surveys are more affordable than eDNA, however, eDNA detects almost three times as many species as BRUV. eDNA and BRUV surveys are comparable in terms of effort required for each method, unless eDNA analysis is carried out externally, in which case eDNA requires less effort for the lead researchers. Furthermore, we show that increased eDNA replication yields more informative results on community structure. We found that using both methods in conjunction provides a more complete view of biodiversity, with BRUV data supplementing eDNA monitoring by recording species missed by eDNA and by providing additional environmental and life history metrics. The results from this study will serve as a baseline of the marine vertebrate community in Sussex Bay allowing future biodiversity monitoring research projects to understand community structure as the ecosystem recovers following the removal of trawling fishing pressure. Although this study was regional, the findings presented herein have relevance to marine biodiversity and conservation monitoring programs around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice J. Clark
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie R. Atkinson
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Scarponi
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Cane
- Department of Geography, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ian W. Hendy
- School of Biological Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - J. Reuben Shipway
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Mika Peck
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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43
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Lu Q, Liu Y, Zhao J, Yao M. Successive accumulation of biotic assemblages at a fine spatial scale along glacier-fed waters. iScience 2024; 27:109476. [PMID: 38617565 PMCID: PMC11015461 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Glacier-fed waters create strong environmental filtering for biota, whereby different organisms may assume distinct distribution patterns. By using environmental DNA-based metabarcoding, we investigated the multi-group biodiversity distribution patterns of the Parlung No. 4 Glacier, on the Tibetan Plateau. Altogether, 642 taxa were identified from the meltwater stream and the downstream Ranwu Lake, including 125 cyanobacteria, 316 diatom, 183 invertebrate, and 18 vertebrate taxa. As the distance increased from the glacier terminus, community complexity increased via sequential occurrences of cyanobacteria, diatoms, invertebrates, and vertebrates, as well as increasing taxa numbers. The stream and lake showed different community compositions and distinct taxa. Furthermore, the correlations with environmental factors and community assembly mechanisms showed group- and habitat-specific patterns. Our results reveal the rapid spatial succession and increasing community complexity along glacial flowpaths and highlight the varying adaptivity of different organisms, while also providing insight into the ecosystem responses to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yongqin Liu
- Center for Pan-Third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jindong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Meng Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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44
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Han D, Park KT, Kim H, Kim TH, Jeong MK, Nam SI. Interaction between phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria in Arctic fjords during the glacial melting season as revealed by eDNA metabarcoding. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae059. [PMID: 38621717 PMCID: PMC11067963 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The hydrographic variability in the fjords of Svalbard significantly influences water mass properties, causing distinct patterns of microbial diversity and community composition between surface and subsurface layers. However, surveys on the phytoplankton-associated bacterial communities, pivotal to ecosystem functioning in Arctic fjords, are limited. This study investigated the interactions between phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacterial communities in Svalbard fjord waters through comprehensive eDNA metabarcoding with 16S and 18S rRNA genes. The 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed a homogenous community composition including a few dominant heterotrophic bacteria across fjord waters, whereas 18S rRNA results suggested a spatially diverse eukaryotic plankton distribution. The relative abundances of heterotrophic bacteria showed a depth-wise distribution. By contrast, the dominant phytoplankton populations exhibited variable distributions in surface waters. In the network model, the linkage of phytoplankton (Prasinophytae and Dinophyceae) to heterotrophic bacteria, particularly Actinobacteria, suggested the direct or indirect influence of bacterial contributions on the fate of phytoplankton-derived organic matter. Our prediction of the metabolic pathways for bacterial activity related to phytoplankton-derived organic matter suggested competitive advantages and symbiotic relationships between phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria. Our findings provide valuable insights into the response of phytoplankton-bacterial interactions to environmental changes in Arctic fjords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dukki Han
- Department of Marine Molecular Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Park
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Haryun Kim
- East Sea Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Uljin 36315, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Oceanography, Faculty of Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Ki Jeong
- Department of Smart Fisheries Resources Management, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Il Nam
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
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45
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de Menezes GCA, Lopes FAC, Santos KCR, Silva MC, Convey P, Câmara PEAS, Rosa LH. Fungal diversity present in snow sampled in summer in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctica, assessed using metabarcoding. Extremophiles 2024; 28:23. [PMID: 38575688 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-024-01338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
We assessed the fungal diversity present in snow sampled during summer in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, maritime Antarctica using a metabarcoding approach. A total of 586,693 fungal DNA reads were obtained and assigned to 203 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The dominant phylum was Ascomycota, followed by Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota and Mucoromycota. Penicillium sp., Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Coniochaeta sp., Aspergillus sp., Antarctomyces sp., Phenoliferia sp., Cryolevonia sp., Camptobasidiaceae sp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Bannozyma yamatoana were assessed as abundant taxa. The snow fungal diversity indices were high but varied across the different locations sampled. Of the fungal ASVs detected, only 28 were present all sampling locations. The 116 fungal genera detected in the snow were dominated by saprotrophic taxa, followed by symbiotrophic and pathotrophic. Our data indicate that, despite the low temperature and oligotrophic conditions, snow can host a richer mycobiome than previously reported through traditional culturing studies. The snow mycobiome includes a complex diversity dominated by cosmopolitan, cold-adapted, psychrophilic and endemic taxa. While saprophytes dominate this community, a range of other functional groups are present.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabyano A C Lopes
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Brazil
| | - Karita C R Santos
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Brazil
| | - Micheline C Silva
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Paulo E A S Câmara
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Fungos, Algas e Plantas, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Luiz H Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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46
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Korbel KL, Hose GC. Monitoring Groundwater Health Using Citizen Scientists in Semi-Arid Regional Australia. GROUND WATER 2024. [PMID: 38572675 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Citizen science (CS) around the world is undergoing a resurgence, potentially due to the utilization of new technologies and methods to capture information, such as data and photo entry via mobile phone apps. CS has been used in aquatic ecology for several decades, however the use of volunteers to collect data in groundwaters has rarely occurred. Groundwater research, particularly groundwater ecosystems, is unevenly distributed across the world, limiting our knowledge of these ecosystems and their functions. Here, we engaged six volunteer farmers in semi-arid region of north-western New South Wales, Australia to participate in an assessment of groundwater health using privately owned wells. Volunteers were supplied with sampling kits and instructions on sampling methods. Data retrieved indicated the health of the groundwater ecosystems, simultaneously providing information on water quality and groundwater biota present within the farm aquifers. Diverse stygofauna were collected from the trial, which reflected historical records of stygofauna within the same catchment indicating the viability of using citizen scientist for data collection. The citizen science project not only aided the collection of data and assessment of groundwater health, but also provided a tool for education, attracting media attention which furthered the education to a national audience. The amount of data still required to understand groundwater ecosystems, combined with the urgency to manage these environments, suggests that citizen scientists may complement the efforts of scientists around the globe to establish the impacts and consequences of human activities on this resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Korbel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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47
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Nakai M, Masumoto T, Asaeda T, Rahman M. Improving the efficiency of adaptive management methods in multiple fishways using environmental DNA. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301197. [PMID: 38557776 PMCID: PMC10984549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Dams and weirs impede the continuity of rivers and transit of migratory fish. To overcome this obstacle, fishways are installed worldwide; however, management after installation is important. The Miyanaka Intake Dam has three fish ladders with different flow velocities and discharges and has been under adaptive management since 2012. Fish catch surveys, conducted as an adaptive management strategy, place a heavy burden on fish. Furthermore, a large number of investigators must be mobilized during the 30-day investigation period. Thus, a monitoring method using environmental DNA that exerts no burden on fish and requires only a few surveyors (to obtain water samples) and an in-house analyst was devised; however, its implementation in a fishway away from the point of analysis and with limited flow space and its effective water sampling frequency have not been reported. Therefore, in 2019, we started a trial aiming to evaluate the methods and application conditions of environmental DNA surveys for the continuous and long-term monitoring of various fish fauna upstream and downstream of the Miyanaka Intake Dam. To evaluate the fish fauna, the results of an environmental DNA survey (metabarcoding method) for 2019 to 2022 were compared to those of a catch survey in the fishway from 2012 to 2022. The results confirmed the use of environmental DNA surveys in evaluating the contribution of fishways to biodiversity under certain conditions and introduced a novel method for sample collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Nakai
- Japan International Consultants for Transportation Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Masumoto
- Energy Planning Department, East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo, Japan
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Ibabe A, Menéndez-Teleña D, Soto-López V, Ardura A, Arias A, Bartolomé M, Borrell YJ, Fernandez S, Machado-Schiaffino G, Mateo JL, Dopico E, Garcia-Vazquez E. New dockside eDNA based protocol to detect the seaweed Asparagopsis armata evaluated by stakeholders. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116259. [PMID: 38492267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Early detection of invasive species is crucial to deal effectively with biological invasions in ports, which are hotspots of species introductions. In this study, a simplified end-time PCR methodology conducted on eDNA from water samples was developed for rapid detection of the invasive seaweed Asparagopsis armata (four hours from water collection to result visualization). It was tested dockside in four international Spanish ports in presence of stakeholders, whose feedback was obtained to explore the real applicability of this biotechnology. Although biological invasions were not a main concern for them, results indicate a unanimous approval of the methodology by the stakeholders, having detected the presence of A. armata in three of the ports. Stakeholders suggested further developments for easier application of the tool and multiple species detection, to be adopted for the control of invasive species in ports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Ibabe
- Department of Functional Biology, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Deva Menéndez-Teleña
- Department of Nautical Science and Technology, Escuela S. Marina Civil de Gijon 1ª Planta, Campus de Gijon s/n, 33203 Gijon, Spain
| | - Verónica Soto-López
- Department of Nautical Science and Technology, Escuela S. Marina Civil de Gijon 1ª Planta, Campus de Gijon s/n, 33203 Gijon, Spain
| | - Alba Ardura
- Department of Functional Biology, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Andrés Arias
- Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems, C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marlene Bartolomé
- Department of Nautical Science and Technology, Escuela S. Marina Civil de Gijon 1ª Planta, Campus de Gijon s/n, 33203 Gijon, Spain
| | - Yaisel J Borrell
- Department of Functional Biology, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara Fernandez
- Department of Functional Biology, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Juan L Mateo
- Department of Informatics, Edificio Departamental 1, Campus de Gijon s/n, 33204 Gijon, Spain
| | - Eduardo Dopico
- Department of Education Sciences, Campus de Llamaquique, C/Aniceto Sela s/n, 33005 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eva Garcia-Vazquez
- Department of Functional Biology, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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49
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De Barba M, Baur M, Boyer F, Fumagalli L, Konec M, Miquel C, Pazhenkova E, Remollino N, Skrbinšek T, Stoffel C, Taberlet P. Individual genotypes from environmental DNA: Fingerprinting snow tracks of three large carnivore species. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13915. [PMID: 38099394 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Continued advancements in environmental DNA (eDNA) research have made it possible to access intraspecific variation from eDNA samples, opening new opportunities to expand non-invasive genetic studies of wildlife populations. However, the use of eDNA samples for individual genotyping, as typically performed in non-invasive genetics, still remains elusive. We present successful individual genotyping of eDNA obtained from snow tracks of three large carnivores: brown bear (Ursus arctos), European lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus). DNA was extracted using a protocol for isolating water eDNA and genotyped using amplicon sequencing of short tandem repeats (STR), and for brown bear a sex marker, on a high-throughput sequencing platform. Individual genotypes were obtained for all species, but genotyping performance differed among samples and species. The proportion of samples genotyped to individuals was higher for brown bear (5/7) and wolf (7/10) than for lynx (4/9), and locus genotyping success was greater for brown bear (0.88). The sex marker was typed in six out of seven brown bear samples. Results for three species show that reliable individual genotyping, including sex identification, is now possible from eDNA in snow tracks, underlining its vast potential to complement the non-invasive genetic methods used for wildlife. To fully leverage the application of snow track eDNA, improved understanding of the ideal species- and site-specific sampling conditions, as well as laboratory methods promoting genotyping success, is needed. This will also inform efforts to retrieve and type nuclear DNA from other eDNA samples, thereby advancing eDNA-based individual and population-level studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Barba
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- DivjaLabs Ltd., Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Molly Baur
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Boyer
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, Grenoble, France
| | - Luca Fumagalli
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marjeta Konec
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- DivjaLabs Ltd., Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Miquel
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, Grenoble, France
| | - Elena Pazhenkova
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nadège Remollino
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tomaž Skrbinšek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- DivjaLabs Ltd., Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Céline Stoffel
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Taberlet
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, Grenoble, France
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø Museum, Tromsø, Norway
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50
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Bader S, Gaye-Siessegger J, Scholz B, Mota-Ferreira M, Brinker A. Obtaining accurate population estimates with reduced workload and lower fish mortality in multi-mesh gillnet sampling of a large pre-alpine lake. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299774. [PMID: 38498550 PMCID: PMC10947718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The EU Water Framework Directive requires monitoring of the ecological status of lakes, with fish as a relevant class of biotic quality indicator, but monitoring fish populations in large lakes is demanding. This study evaluated use in Lake Constance of a novel multi-mesh gillnet modified to reduce catch numbers. In direct comparison with conventional European Committee for Standardization (CEN) nets we achieved 48% reduction in fish mortality with 38% less labour for tasks directly influenced by fish catch numbers, while maintaining comparable species composition and catch per unit effort. Comparison of mesh sizes indicated no significant reduction in species detection in area-reduced panels of the small mesh sizes, while total observed species richness was greater when using the modified nets. Differences in benthic species communities among depth strata were common, while those of pelagic zones were more homogeneous and did not differ significantly with depth. Catches of different net types from the same depth stratum did not exhibit significant differences. The dominance structure of the most common species, relevant to lake assessment, was similar in catches of both net types, suggesting overall superiority of the modified nets in Lake Constance. Sampling conducted according to standard European CEN protocol, while deploying 60% fewer nets, yielded sufficiently precise abundance estimates for monitoring shallow areas of the benthic zone. A 50% difference in the abundance of dominant species was detected among sampling events with a certainty of 95%. The sample did not provide comparable accuracy in deep benthic strata or the pelagic zone, but was adequate to record complete inventories of species present. Based on this trial data, a new stratified sampling design is proposed for monitoring large lake fish communities for ecological assessment. Depth-dependent fish communities were used to calculate the required number of nets, which resulted in a 69% reduction for the entire lake compared to the CEN calculation method. Using the modified nets increases the feasibility of performing WFD surveys, by reducing effort and cost, while the simultaneous halving of fish mortality minimises the negative impact of fish surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Bader
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Scholz
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, Germany
- The Bavarian State Institute of Forestry, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Brinker
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, Germany
- University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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