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Improving the yield of environmental DNA from filtered aquatic samples

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Abstract

Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) through non-invasive sampling continues to gain popularity in the surveillance of organisms. Methodological improvement to ensure maximum DNA recovery from the samples would benefit future studies. We investigated the effects of DNA extraction methods and filter preservation methods on eDNA yield by analyzing field-collected water samples for eDNA of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis). We tested whether the use of bead beating during DNA extraction, which likely facilitates removal of cells trapped on filters, would increase eDNA yield. We also examined whether preservation of filters in ethanol or storage at − 20 °C before extraction would yield more eDNA. Bead beating and preservation at − 20 °C significantly increased the estimated amount of eDNA.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Brianna Bjordahl, Lindsey Trusal, and Nicole Fry for field and lab assistance for this project. Amy McMillan kindly provided hellbender DNA for the DNA standards. Funding and resources were provided by the Department of Biology at Bucknell University. We also thank the anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments during the review process.

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Correspondence to Emma L. Hundermark.

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Hundermark, E.L., Takahashi, M.K. Improving the yield of environmental DNA from filtered aquatic samples. Conservation Genet Resour 12, 49–51 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-018-1067-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-018-1067-3

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