Mrs Michelle Liddy1
1University Of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a widespread tool for monitoring biodiversity and detecting invasive species. Most steps from processing and analysis have been optimized, except for the collection of aquatic samples. To assess eDNA in the marine environment, water samples are still collected and filtered- a laborious process that generates large amounts of plastic waste, and is time and resource intensive. Here we propose using the sea sponges as natural filters to aid in monitoring biodiversity and invasive species.
Benthic filter-feeding organisms are already widely recognized as sentinels for environmental pollution and remediation. Sponges in particular bioaccumulate microplastics and other pollutants serving as bio-indicators of local pollution. Recently sponges have also been shown to capture and accumulate the DNA of species in the area (environmental DNA, eDNA) providing a wealth of knowledge of local biodiversity.
Through a series of aquarium and field experiments, we are discovering which species capture and retain eDNA, and how sensitive they are to various sources. Our aim is to develop an easily transferrable tool to monitor biodiversity and invasive species in the marine environment, while also reducing the time and resources needed.
Biography:
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