Changes in teleost fish eDNA concentration over the tidal cycle

Presentation Type

Event

Full Name of Faculty Mentor

Robert Young

Major

Marine Science

Second Major

Biology

Presentation Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for genetic monitoring of species in aquatic environments, based simply from water samples and without having access to the species themselves. Marine environments experience changes over the course of the tidal cycle, such that the concentration of marine life changes as water levels fluctuate. This study focuses on changes in the concentration of teleost fish eDNA in an estuarine system over the course of a tidal cycle. Triplicate 1L water samples were collected every two hours over three complete tidal cycles in Murrells Inlet, SC. Samples were filtered, DNA extracted, and DNA concentration was determined using PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis. During the winter months, when fish movements in and out of the marsh are minimal, we suggest that changes in eDNA concentration reflect a dilution effect from changes in the volume of the marsh over a tidal cycle.

Course

MSCI 499

Location

Lib Jackson Student Union, Atrium

Start Date

17-4-2019 4:30 PM

End Date

17-4-2019 4:50 PM

Disciplines

Marine Biology

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Apr 17th, 4:30 PM Apr 17th, 4:50 PM

Changes in teleost fish eDNA concentration over the tidal cycle

Lib Jackson Student Union, Atrium

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for genetic monitoring of species in aquatic environments, based simply from water samples and without having access to the species themselves. Marine environments experience changes over the course of the tidal cycle, such that the concentration of marine life changes as water levels fluctuate. This study focuses on changes in the concentration of teleost fish eDNA in an estuarine system over the course of a tidal cycle. Triplicate 1L water samples were collected every two hours over three complete tidal cycles in Murrells Inlet, SC. Samples were filtered, DNA extracted, and DNA concentration was determined using PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis. During the winter months, when fish movements in and out of the marsh are minimal, we suggest that changes in eDNA concentration reflect a dilution effect from changes in the volume of the marsh over a tidal cycle.