Transforming terrestrial biodiversity surveys using airborne eDNA
Kristine Bohmann1, Christina Lynggaard1
1Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|December 13, 2022
Summary
Airborne DNA from land organisms offers a new way to survey biodiversity. Sequencing bioaerosols can detect animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, but requires careful control of environmental DNA contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental DNA (eDNA)
- Molecular Ecology
- Biodiversity Monitoring
Background:
- Terrestrial ecosystems harbor diverse lifeforms, including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
- These organisms release DNA fragments into the environment.
- Airborne DNA (bioaerosols) represents a potential medium for detecting terrestrial life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of airborne DNA from terrestrial organisms.
- To assess the potential of bioaerosol sequencing for biodiversity assessment.
- To identify challenges and necessary controls for airborne DNA surveys.
Main Methods:
- Collection and sequencing of bioaerosol samples from terrestrial environments.
- Analysis of DNA sequences to identify terrestrial taxa.
- Comparison of airborne DNA profiles with known terrestrial biodiversity.
Main Results:
- DNA traces from terrestrial animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria were detected in airborne samples.
- Bioaerosol DNA sequencing demonstrates potential for broad surveys of terrestrial life.
- The presence of airborne DNA necessitates careful consideration of contamination sources.
Conclusions:
- Airborne DNA sequencing is a promising, non-invasive method for simultaneous terrestrial biodiversity surveys.
- Effective implementation requires stringent protocols to mitigate contamination from various sources.
- This approach offers a novel perspective on ecosystem-wide biodiversity assessment.
