Type of Submission
Poster
Keywords
environmental DNA, freshwater fish, environmental science, ecology, biology, research, biodiversity, survey
Proposal
Throughout the course of this project, we developed a protocol for environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis for further use studying fish species in Ohio freshwater streams. eDNA is composed of trace DNA samples left behind by organisms. By sampling, purifying, and analyzing this DNA, researchers can get a picture of the species diversity in an area. Sampling eDNA is significantly less invasive than traditional surveying methods, leading to better conservation of delicate habitats and also superior results when looking for elusive species, such as the Eastern Hellbender. In this project, water samples were collected and filtered in the field. The filters were then brought back from the lab, the DNA extracted and then amplified using a primer set for the 12s mitochondrial region of bony fish. From there, the samples are sequenced. To further develop the protocol, projected tests are using in-situ samples with known fish species as positive controls, as well as transitioning to using better sequencing and analysis techniques. We hope that our protocol will now be suitable for use on a wider and repeatable scale. Specifically, it can be used in undergraduate labs to teach this newly emerging technique to students, giving them a competitive advantage in the workforce. Further work includes using the protocol to effectively monitor and research southwest Ohio freshwater fish communities. Moreover, this protocol will be reevaluated and improved upon into the future.
Copyright
© 2025 Emma Dillon. All rights reserved.
Publication Date
2-28-2025
eDNA and Southwestern Ohio Freshwater Fish
Throughout the course of this project, we developed a protocol for environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis for further use studying fish species in Ohio freshwater streams. eDNA is composed of trace DNA samples left behind by organisms. By sampling, purifying, and analyzing this DNA, researchers can get a picture of the species diversity in an area. Sampling eDNA is significantly less invasive than traditional surveying methods, leading to better conservation of delicate habitats and also superior results when looking for elusive species, such as the Eastern Hellbender. In this project, water samples were collected and filtered in the field. The filters were then brought back from the lab, the DNA extracted and then amplified using a primer set for the 12s mitochondrial region of bony fish. From there, the samples are sequenced. To further develop the protocol, projected tests are using in-situ samples with known fish species as positive controls, as well as transitioning to using better sequencing and analysis techniques. We hope that our protocol will now be suitable for use on a wider and repeatable scale. Specifically, it can be used in undergraduate labs to teach this newly emerging technique to students, giving them a competitive advantage in the workforce. Further work includes using the protocol to effectively monitor and research southwest Ohio freshwater fish communities. Moreover, this protocol will be reevaluated and improved upon into the future.
