An optimised eDNA protocol for detecting fish in lentic and lotic freshwaters using a small water volume

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219218
• Publication Date: 2019-07-17T17:28:52Z
• Authors: Teja Petra Muha; Chloe Victoria Ro...; Carlos Garcia de ...; Sofia Consuegra
• Keywords: River ecosystem; Lake ecosystem; Environmental DNA; Fresh water fish

Environmental DNA is increasingly being used for assessing the presence and relative abundance of fish in freshwater, but existing protocols typically rely on filtering large volumes water which not always practical. We compared effects volume, filtration type eDNA extraction procedures detection three freshwater bodies (pond, lake river) using a short fragment 12s rRNA mtDNA gene. Quantification capture efficiency after extraction, as well amplification efficiency, were evaluated by conventional PCR quantitative PCR. No significant differences yield found among bodies, increasing volume had positive effect efficiency. Although highest rates obtained 2 L filtered water, 100 mL syringe combination with ethanol- sodium acetate precipitation proved to be more practical increased 6.4%. Our results indicate that such method may optimal detect species effectively across both lotic lentic environments.