fractionation to measure the particle size distribution (PSD) of macrobial eDNA, specifically .... Currently, these decisions seem to have been ad hoc or at best.
Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2014, 5, 676–684
doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.12206
Particle size distribution and optimal capture of aqueous macrobial eDNA Cameron R. Turner1*, Matthew A. Barnes1,2, Charles C. Y. Xu1, Stuart E. Jones1, Christopher L. Jerde1,2 and David M. Lodge1,2 1
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; and 2Environmental Change Initiative, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
Summary 1. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect aquatic macroorganisms is a new survey method with broad applicability. However, the origin, state and fate of aqueous macrobial eDNA – which collectively determine how well eDNA can serve as a proxy for directly observing organisms and how eDNA should be captured, purified and assayed – are poorly understood. 2. The size of aquatic particles provides clues about their origin, state and fate. We used sequential filtration size fractionation to measure the particle size distribution (PSD) of macrobial eDNA, specifically Common Carp (hereafter referred to as Carp) eDNA. We compared it to the PSDs of total eDNA (from all organisms) and suspended particle matter (SPM). We quantified Carp mitochondrial eDNA using a custom qPCR assay, total eDNA with fluorometry and SPM with gravimetric analysis. 3. In a lake and a pond, we found Carp eDNA in particles from >180 to
