Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquatic systems is a complex mixture that includes dissolved DNA, intracellular DNA, and particle-adsorbed DNA. Information about the various components of eDNA and their relative proportions could be used to discern target organism abundance and location. However, a limited knowledge of eDNA adsorption dynamics and interactions with other materials hinders these applications. To address this gap, we used recirculating stream mesocosms to investigate the impact of suspended materials (fine particulate organic matter, plankton, clay, and titanium dioxide) on the eDNA concentration and particle size distribution (PSD) from two fish species in flowing water. Our findings revealed that eDNA rapidly adsorbs to other materials in the water column, affecting its concentration and PSD. Nonetheless, only particulate organic matter affected eDNA removal rate after 30 h. Moreover, we observed that the removal of larger eDNA components (≥10 μm) was more strongly influenced by physical processes, whereas the removal of smaller eDNA components was driven by biological degradation. This disparity in removal mechanisms between larger and smaller eDNA components could explain changes in eDNA composition over time and space, which have implications for modeling the spatial distribution and abundance of target species and optimizing eDNA detection in high turbidity systems.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
