Water: Fungal metabarcoding / biomonitoring

ITS eDNA testing offers a powerful tool for monitoring fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, providing ecologists and conservationists with an efficient and non-invasive method to assess fungal communities in water environments. By targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of fungal ribosomal DNA, this technique enables the identification and quantification of a wide variety of aquatic fungal species, including those that are often difficult to detect through traditional sampling methods. Fungi play essential roles in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and symbiotic relationships with other organisms. ITS eDNA testing allows for comprehensive surveys of fungal diversity and abundance in aquatic habitats, offering a more holistic view of ecosystem health without the need for physical sampling that could disrupt delicate environments.

For conservationists focused on the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, ITS eDNA testing is a crucial tool for detecting changes in fungal communities that could indicate environmental stress or ecological disturbances. In aquatic environments, shifts in fungal populations can be driven by factors such as water quality, pollution, or invasive species, and early detection can inform targeted conservation actions. Additionally, the ability to monitor fungal species across large water bodies, including rivers, lakes, or wetlands, without the need for extensive field sampling is invaluable for large-scale ecological monitoring programs. By incorporating ITS eDNA testing into water quality assessments, conservationists gain critical insights into the microbial dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, helping to ensure the long-term health and stability of these vital habitats.