Field trials of an autonomous eDNA sampler in lotic waters

Environmental Science & Technology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has become a transformative technology, but sample collection methods lack standardization and sampling at effective frequencies requires considerable field effort. Autonomous eDNA samplers that can sample water at high frequencies offer potential solutions to these problems. We present results from four case studies using a prototype autonomous eDNA sampler as part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Rapid Environmental eDNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) project. These case studies involved short-term deployments of an eDNA autosampler (Smith-Root) across a range of riverine habitats with the objectives of (a) identifying what insights could be gained from high-frequency autosampling and (b) benchmarking these autosamples against manually collected samples. The high frequency autosampling revealed high temporal variability of eDNA concentrations and provided valuable insights about eDNA associations with environmental covariates, such as discharge and turbidity. Benchmarking assessments indicated autosamples had similar detection rates to manual samples and obtained similar or greater eDNA quantities. We did find minimal carryover contamination in autosampler field controls. We conclude that eDNA autosamplers have potential to improve freshwater biosurveillance by reducing logistical sampling barriers, standardizing collection methods, and clarifying the influence of environmental covariates on eDNA results.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Field trials of an autonomous eDNA sampler in lotic waters
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.4c04970
Volume 58
Issue 47
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher American Chemical Society
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 20942
Last page 20953
Country United States
State Idaho, Missouri, Montana, New York
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