Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to genetic material collected from the environment in which an organism lives (including water), rather than from the organism itself. It has the advantage that presence/absence of a species can be determined without the need to physically capture (or observe) the animal.
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Particularly useful applications of eDNA in aquatic environments include detection of rare and low abundance species, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and assessment of habitat connectivity by determining presence/absence of migratory species (e.g. eels, salmon, lamprey) upstream and downstream of in-stream barriers (e.g. weirs or dams).
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Collection of eDNA is a relatively straightforward process, involving taking a water sample of known volume and passing it through a filter that will retain the sample of genetic material
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Bournemouth University has comprehensive in-house expertise and genetic laboratory facilities, and can provide a complete package of eDNA assessment, from delivery of user-friendly sampling kits to production of comprehensive data reports.
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Our academic experts are at the forefront of eDNA research and development, and can provide advice on anything from initial survey design to data analysis and interpretation.
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