Improving the yield of environmental DNA from filtered aquatic samples
Publication Date
2018
Description
Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) through non-invasive sampling continues to gain popularity in the surveillance of organisms. Methodological improvement to ensure maximum DNA recovery from the samples would benefit future studies. We investigated the effects of DNA extraction methods and filter preservation methods on eDNA yield by analyzing field-collected water samples for eDNA of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis). We tested whether the use of bead beating during DNA extraction, which likely facilitates removal of cells trapped on filters, would increase eDNA yield. We also examined whether preservation of filters in ethanol or storage at -20°C before extraction would yield more eDNA. Bead beating and preservation at -20°C significantly increased the estimated amount of eDNA.
Journal
Conservation Genetics Resources
Department
Biology
Second Department
Animal Behavior
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-018-1067-3
Recommended Citation
Hundermark, Emma and Takahashi, Mizuki. "Improving the yield of environmental DNA from filtered aquatic samples." Conservation Genetics Resources (2018) .