Ms Lara Denis-roy1,2, Professor Graham Edgar1, Dr Scott Ling1, Dr Sharon Appleyard2, Dr Lev Bedrossy2
1Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, Hobart, Australia, 2Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Australia
Research and interest in environmental DNA (eDNA) are exploding, including as a tool to monitor and inform management of marine communities. However, a gap exists in cross-validation with traditional methods for the detection of potential effects by natural and pollutant factors. The anthropogenic pressure on coastal ecosystems is rising and among the various category of organisms impacted, infauna is especially exposed to pollutants. New South Wales and Tasmania have a legacy of pollution around their major cities but also possess pristine locations, allowing for a gradient of pollutants as well as natural environmental factors.
Here, we analyse reef communities identified through three eDNA metabarcoding assays: 18S, 16S and CO1 as well as visual underwater surveys and under microscope identification of whole samples collected in sediment and macroalgae. Using a suite of environmental and pollutant variables, we investigate the sensibility of the eDNA method and compare it to ’traditional methods’: direct fauna sampling and visual surveys, specifically in the detection of potential impacts of pollutants. Potential environmental drivers (natural and pollutants) are identified using DISTLM (Distance Based Linear Models).
Environmental genetics appear reliable to detect changes in assemblages across natural and pollutant gradients, both when looking at whole communities and specific taxonomic groups. Additionally, the COI metabarcoding assays showed more sensitivity than infauna sampling in the detection of potential pollutant impacts. The added advantage of sensitivity to potential pollutant impacts, among several advantages, helps further establish eDNA as a valuable biomonitoring tool allowing whole communities studies and assessments.
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