Novel DNA-based test for the identification of benthic diatoms of European freshwater waterbodies (WAT-DIMON)

• DOI: 10.3897/aca.4.e65203
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04T14:12:20Z
• Authors: Panayiota Pissaridou; Athina Papatheodo...; Gregoris Notarides; Juan Antonio Vill...; Maria Villena; Antonio Picazo; Rosa Trobajo; David Mann; Antonio Camacho; Marlen Vasquez Ha...
• Keywords: Water Framework Directive; Bioindicator; Environmental DNA; Identification

Diatoms are unicellular eukaryotic organisms, which have been exploited over the years for effective freshwater bioassessment. Therefore, they excellent bioindicators, routinely used in national environmental monitoring programs all Europe within Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60 /EC (Foster et al., 2000) and CEN standards (CEN, 2018). Over years, new technologies introduced to this field maximise improve time cost required The application of DNA metabarcoding characterisation benthic diatom communities WFD was recently (Vasselon al. 2017, Kelly Through technique, identification species present one sample, is established using genetic variability characterised by a short fragment called barcode 2019). Wat-Dimon Eurostars project aim at creating novel genomic test European diatoms. This DNA-based could be implemented standards. In near future, can complement and/or replace traditional ecological assessments based on morpho-taxonomy methodology approach needing taxonomic expertise subjected scientific bias. Additionally, aims developing complementary bioinformatics tool biotechnological interpretation results. Such product will allow prompt response needs, early assessment quality treatment response. study developed validated along longitudinal gradient south part (Portugal, Spain, Cyprus), including four different biogeographical regions (Macaronesia, Atlantic, Alpine Mediterranean). method cover steps, from sampling extraction assemblages amplification barcodes universal primers amplified products sequenced Illumina MiSeq. Then, existing bioinformatic pipelines adjusted quality-filter high number sequences samples identify them comparison with reference databases (Diat.Barcode, BOLD, GenBank). Enhancing these prevalent assayed essential as biased more northerly do not take into consideration harsh, extreme climatic conditions prominent Mediterranean Macaronesia (Fig. 1). focuses rbc L gene 18S only an alternative or if any problematic taxa appear. CEN, 2018. CEN/TR 17245: – Technical report routine diatoms rivers lakes adapted analyses. CEN/TC 230/WG 23 Aquat. Macrophytes Algae 1–8. https://doi.org/CEN/TR 17245:2018 Foster, D., Wood, A., Griffiths, M., 2000. THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (2000/60/EC) AN INTRODUCTION Dave Foster Policy Advisor (Europe), Aram Wood EP Scientist (Water), Dr Martin Griffiths Head Quality, Environment Agency, Office, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almon 7–9. (2018). A classification rivers. Agency. Vasselon (2017). Assessing status metabarcoding: Scaling-up network (Mayotte island, France). Ecological Indicators. 82:1-12 Vasselon, V., Rimet, F., Domaizon, I., Monnier, O., Reyjol, Y., Bouchez, 2019. pollution aquatic environments diatoms’ Experience developments France networks. Metabarcoding Metagenomics 3, 101–115. https://doi.org/10.3897/mbmg.3.39646