Environmental DNA breakthrough will aid conservation efforts – Cornell Chronicle

Advancements in Environmental DNA Research Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Environmental DNA and Its Challenges

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a critical tool used by aquatic ecologists to monitor endangered species, track invasive organisms, and assess fish populations. However, studying eDNA in aquatic environments presents unique challenges due to the dispersal of DNA by wind and water currents. This complexity affects the ability to accurately identify the origin of detected DNA, which is essential for effective biodiversity monitoring.

Breakthrough Research on eDNA Movement

A collaborative team of ecologists and engineers from Cornell University and the University of Granada has made significant progress in understanding eDNA dynamics in freshwater systems. The researchers developed a synthetic DNA tracer that mimics natural eDNA behavior. They released a minute quantity (1 microgram) of this tracer into Cayuga Lake near Cornell’s Ithaca campus and tracked its movement over 33 hours.

The findings were integrated into a predictive model capable of estimating the likely origin of eDNA samples within aquatic environments. This advancement enhances the precision of biodiversity assessments and supports sustainable ecosystem management.

Significance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The research aids in conserving aquatic biodiversity by improving monitoring techniques for endangered and invasive species.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Enhanced biodiversity monitoring contributes to the protection of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems connected to aquatic habitats.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The development of synthetic DNA tracers and predictive models exemplifies innovation in environmental monitoring technologies.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Improved ecosystem monitoring supports adaptive management strategies in response to climate change impacts on freshwater resources.

Methodology and Collaborative Expertise

1. Synthetic DNA Tracer Development: Created by doctoral student Zeyu Li under Professor Dan Luo’s guidance, the tracer consists of unique short DNA sequences encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer safe for environmental release.
2. Field Experiment: The tracer was released into Cayuga Lake, and its dispersion was monitored for 33 hours to collect data on eDNA transport mechanisms.
3. Model Integration: Data from the experiment informed a new model predicting eDNA source locations within aquatic systems.

This interdisciplinary approach combined genetics, biological engineering, and ecology, enabling comprehensive insights into eDNA behavior in complex aquatic environments.

Implications for Environmental Management and Policy

• Cost-Effective Biodiversity Monitoring: eDNA analysis offers a faster, cheaper, and more sensitive alternative to traditional survey methods such as physical animal capture.
• Regulatory Applications: eDNA data can inform environmental impact assessments for offshore energy projects, track endangered species populations, detect invasive species introductions via shipping, and monitor commercially important fish stocks.
• Policy Advancement: David Lodge, co-author and director of Cornell Atkinson, leads efforts to integrate eDNA into federal decision-making processes, enhancing sustainable resource management.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The study represents a pivotal advancement in aquatic ecosystem monitoring, with the potential to be replicated in larger water bodies such as Lake Ontario or the Atlantic Ocean. This technology aligns with global sustainability efforts by providing scalable tools to measure and manage biodiversity effectively, directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Funding and Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Article written by Krisy Gashler, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on monitoring aquatic ecosystems, endangered species, invasive species, and fish populations, which directly relate to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Though primarily aquatic, the biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts also contribute to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity goals.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development and application of synthetic DNA tracers and new predictive models represent innovation in scientific methods and infrastructure for environmental monitoring.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Improved monitoring of aquatic ecosystems can support climate resilience and adaptation strategies by providing better data on ecosystem health and changes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 14
   • Population size and distribution of endangered aquatic species (implied through eDNA monitoring).
   • Presence and spread of invasive species in aquatic environments (tracked by eDNA data).
   • Health and biodiversity of fish populations in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 15
   • Biodiversity indices reflecting species richness and ecosystem health, as monitored by eDNA methods.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 9
   • Number and effectiveness of innovative scientific tools and technologies developed for environmental monitoring (e.g., synthetic DNA tracers, predictive models).
4. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Improved capacity and data availability for climate adaptation strategies based on aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.cornell.edu