Optimizing target-to-total DNA ratio in eDNA studies: effects of sampling, preservation, and extraction methods on single-species detection.

ABSTRACT: There are many decisions to be made when sampling for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, whether using a targeted, single-species assay or community-based metabarcoding. Of the entire workflow from sampling water to bioinformatic analyses, the first steps in the process of collecting water, filtering it, and preserving the filter membranes represent major decision points upon which the success of downstream processes depend. Though many previous studies have compared water volume filtered, filter pore size, and preservation and extraction methods, the conclusions are often that they produce different results, but it is unclear which is the optimal approach for a given purpose. Here, rather than provide yet another methods comparison paper, we provide a framework for how to make informed de

SUBMITTER: Andruszkiewicz Allan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12579850 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature