Journal Article

Seasonal variation in environmental DNA detection in sediment and water samples

Groombridge, Jim J., Buxton, Andrew S., Griffiths, Richard A.

2018

Overview

The use of aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of species depends on the seasonal activity of the species in the sampled habitat. eDNA may persist in sediments for longer than it does in water, and analysing sediment could potentially extend the seasonal window for species assessment. Using the great crested newt as a model, we compare how detection probability changes across the seasons in eDNA samples collected from both pond water and pond sediments. Detection of both aquatic and sedimentary eDNA varied through the year, peaking in the summer (July), with its lowest point in the winter (January): in all seasons, detection probability of eDNA from water exceeded that from sediment. Detection probability of eDNA also varied between study areas, and according to great crested newt habitat suitability and sediment type. As aquatic and sedimentary eDNA show the same seasonal fluctuations, the patterns observed in both sample types likely reflect current or recent presence of the target species. However, given the low detection probabilities found in the autumn and winter we would not recommend using either aquatic or sedimentary eDNA for year-round sampling without further refinement and testing of the methods.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Autumn / Biology and life sciences / Change detection / Deoxyribonucleic acid / DNA / DNA identification / Earth Sciences / Ecology / Environmental aspects / Environmental DNA / Genetic aspects / Methods / Ponds / Probability / Research and analysis methods / Seasonal variations / Sediments / Sediments (Geology) / Species / Water analysis / Water sampling / Winter