Beyond Exponential Decay: How Biphasic and Delayed Decay Dynamics Shape Marine eDNA Dispersal.

ABSTRACT: Accurate interpretation of marine environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring surveys depends on understanding how eDNA concentrations change once released by organisms into the surrounding environment. Despite growing evidence for multiple eDNA decay patterns, such as biphasic and delayed decay, many studies assume by default a single-phase exponential decay model. Here, we took a multiprong approach with a literature review of eDNA decay experiments, an experimental study of empirical decay patterns, and high-resolution Lagrangian particle tracking to quantify how different decay patterns drive eDNA dispersal at two contrasted locations in the Bay of Biscay, Northeast Atlantic. Biphasic or delayed eDNA dynamic patterns were found in over half of the reviewed empirical studies and at 13°C and 20°

SUBMITTER: Zanni MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832204 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature