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eDNA detection: Nature’s barcode scanner for biodiversity

eDNA analyzes Nature's past and present, revealing unseen biodiversity and guiding conservation's future.

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Quantumrun Foresight
March 12, 2024

Insight summary

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology can help in the early detection of invasive species and conservation efforts. This approach analyzes the genetic material organisms leave behind and can precisely identify species and encourage proactive management. The potential of eDNA extends beyond current environmental challenges, enhancing biodiversity studies, supporting sustainable industries, and guiding policymaking with detailed insights into ecosystem health.

eDNA detection context

With global warming and economic globalization driving invasive species in marine environments, traditional surveillance methods are becoming increasingly limited. These conventional techniques often struggle with detecting these species early and can disrupt the ecosystems they aim to protect. In contrast, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, known for its sensitivity and non-invasive nature, can precisely identify invasive species at low population densities, allowing for timely intervention and application of effective management strategies. This technology is done through collecting and analyzing the genetic material species leave behind in their environment.

A 2023 research by Chinese scientists highlighted the usefulness of eDNA to monitor aquatic biodiversity, particularly in East Asia. For example, China adopted the 4E strategy (education, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation), integrating eDNA technology to boost surveillance and policy development for managing aquatic invasive species. In addition, high-throughput sequencing technologies could analyze mixtures of DNA from multiple species simultaneously, enhancing biodiversity assessments.

eDNA technology can also help scientists understand ancient ecosystems. In 2022, a research team reported in Nature that they used this technology to sequence over 2 million years of DNA from Northern Greenland. The results unveiled historical ecosystems, offering unprecedented insights into the past and a significant leap in studying ancient biological communities.

Disruptive impact

This technology can enhance our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems, directly affecting recreational activities, property values, and public health. For example, improved monitoring of water bodies can lead to safer swimming areas and drinking sources. This trend also empowers citizen science, where non-professionals contribute to environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. As environmental awareness increases, individuals may become more involved in conservation activities and advocacy, motivated by real-time data.

For agriculture, fisheries, environmental consultancy, and biotechnology businesses, eDNA detection offers more sustainable operations and compliance with environmental regulations. Companies can monitor biodiversity on their lands or nearby ecosystems, assessing the impact of their activities and mitigating risks associated with biodiversity loss. This capability can inform strategies for sustainable resource use, enhance the reputation among consumers and investors, and lower legal and operational costs associated with environmental damage. Additionally, industries reliant on specific species for raw materials can use eDNA to track the abundance and health of these populations, guiding sustainable harvesting practices.

Governments can use eDNA detection to inform policymaking, conservation strategies, and regulatory compliance, providing a more dynamic and responsive approach to environmental management. This technology also enables more precise and timely monitoring of protected areas, threatened species, and the effectiveness of conservation measures. It can also play a crucial role in border biosecurity, detecting invasive species before they become established. In addition, eDNA detection can support agreements on biodiversity, offering a shared tool for monitoring global environmental targets.

Implications of eDNA detection

Wider implications of eDNA detection may include:

eDNA monitoring in fisheries management leading to more sustainable fishing practices and healthier marine ecosystems.

Companies adopting eDNA analysis for quality control in the food industry, ensuring safer products and reducing foodborne illnesses.

Educational institutions incorporating eDNA studies into curricula, developing a new generation of scientists focused on conservation and biodiversity.

Regulations to standardize eDNA collection and analysis methods, improving data accuracy and comparability across studies.

Public health organizations using eDNA tracking to monitor and control the spread of infectious diseases, leading to more effective public health responses.

Portable eDNA analysis kits making environmental monitoring accessible to non-scientists, democratizing data collection and ecological stewardship.

Environmental NGOs using eDNA data to advocate for protected areas, leading to the establishment of new conservation zones.

The tourism industry adopting eDNA as a tool to monitor and manage the impact of tourism on natural habitats, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.