The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a fascinating and useful approach to biodiversity monitoring, which is why this technique inspired me and my supervisors at the beginning of my PhD at the University of Florence (Italy). We decided to use this new monitoring technique to assess the species and functional richness of freshwater metazoan communities.
Freshwater habitats are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet; nonetheless, they are experiencing some of the highest rates of biodiversity decline. This decline is due to many threats, such as pollution, land-use change, climate change, etc. The establishment of protected areas (PAs) is one of the main conservation strategies worldwide, but the effectiveness of PAs for freshwater purposes is questioned and freshwater biodiversity continues to decline rapidly.
Figure 1: Study areas and eDNA sampling materials and method
We are working on an integrated approach to assess the effectiveness of terrestrial PAs for freshwater biodiversity conservation. We are combining biodiversity monitoring using eDNA metabarcoding with measurements of physico-chemical and geomorphological parameters; our study areas are protected and unprotected freshwater streams in central Italy.
I was struggling in the lab to obtain my molecular data when I found the eDNA Collaborative Microgrant opportunity. I am delighted to have been awarded a Physalia course on statistics in R for biologists and ecologists; now all my field and laboratory efforts will be translated into meaningful results and conclusions!