Taking eDNA underground

Environmental assessment of groundwater biodiversity has traditionally relied on collecting individual specimens and identifying them through taxonomy and DNA sequencing. These approaches can be time-consuming, costly and biased towards taxa that are more readily detected. eDNA provides an opportunity to analyse genetic material present in environmental samples and broaden the picture of biodiversity below ground.

The ARC Linkage project developed novel eDNA approaches specifically for the Pilbara's groundwater communities, including new assays and a DNA barcode reference library. The work was designed to improve the ability to detect and characterise subterranean communities and provide a more efficient and comprehensive basis for monitoring.

The project explored how these emerging methods could be integrated into bioassessment and monitoring in Western Australia. WABSI brought researchers, regulators, industry and other stakeholders together to consider the research outcomes and how eDNA could be used in practice.

The resulting approaches have potential application beyond the Pilbara, supporting groundwater biodiversity monitoring across Australia and elsewhere. The project demonstrates how new technologies can complement established approaches and help address persistent knowledge and detection challenges.