Ecology detectives: Student researchers use discarded DNA to investigate aquatic mysteries
Ecology detectives: Student researchers use discarded DNA to investigate aquatic mysteries William & Mary
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Instead of clutching magnifying glasses, William & Mary aquatic ecology students hoist 20-pound blue backpacks onto their shoulders.
March 22 is World Water Day, and these portable sampling systems allow students to quickly and efficiently collect high-quality data to deepen scientific understanding of water-related issues.
Water and data initiatives at William & Mary
Water and data are two of the four cornerstone initiatives of W&M’s strategic plan, Vision 2026.
The importance of environmental DNA (eDNA)
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is DNA that organisms shed or secrete into the surrounding environment. Recent technological advances allow researchers to collect and analyze eDNA in water and soil samples to determine which species are present at specific sites. This information is useful for identifying elusive or rare species, detecting invasive species, and gaining a clearer understanding of biodiversity.
Meet Rose and Frank
Rose and Frank are the biology department’s eDNA backpack samplers, named in honor of Rosalind Franklin, a British scientist who played a significant role in discovering the structure of DNA. These portable sampling systems have revolutionized eDNA research by allowing researchers to collect samples conveniently and efficiently in the field.
The versatility of eDNA research
Rose and Frank have been used in a broad range of research projects at William & Mary. For example:
- Lauren French (’22) used eDNA to study aquatic fungi and their response to human activities affecting water quality.
- Mindy Spence M.S. ’22 investigated the effects of dams on fish diversity within the Virginia Peninsula.
- Zoe Hutcheson ’23 examined the dietary differences between native and non-native crayfish species and their ecological impact.
Future eDNA research projects
Other eDNA projects in progress at William & Mary include studying the mycoloop hypothesis in estuarine systems and investigating the link between the diet of wolf spiders and terrestrial mercury contamination.
Environmental DNA research provides students with valuable opportunities to gain experience in various scientific research components and explore their specific interests while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.6: Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality.
- Indicator for SDG 14.1: Marine protected areas as a percentage of territorial waters.
- Indicator for SDG 15.5: Red List Index (an indicator of overall extinction risk) for threatened species.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes. | Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | Marine protected areas as a percentage of territorial waters. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Red List Index (an indicator of overall extinction risk) for threatened species. |
Based on the article, the issues discussed are connected to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The specific targets identified are SDG 6.6, SDG 14.1, and SDG 15.5. The indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets are the proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality, marine protected areas as a percentage of territorial waters, and the Red List Index for threatened species.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.wm.edu
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