Environmental DNA Analysis

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is the genetic material shed by organisms into their environment. Sources of eDNA include secreted feces, mucous, skin, hair, or carcasses. eDNA can be detected in all terrestrial and aquatic environments such as water, sediment, snow, or soil. eDNA sampling can be used for a variety of purposes:

• Biodiversity:
  • Ecosystem dynamics and abundance estimates
  • Detection of rare, cryptic and endangered species
• Biomonitoring/Biosurveillance
  • Habitat assessment/restoration
  • Impact of environmental disturbances, pollutants or climate change
• Detection of organisms of concern
  • Screening tool for invasive species
  • Microbial source tracking (pathogens)
•  Non-invasive sampling
  • Host-associated microbiota