ENVMETAGENOMICS - eDNA: from rare species detection to whole-community diversity using high-throughput sequencing

Project short-description: Monitoring of biodiversity has recently benefited from extracting species information from environmental DNA (eDNA), especially in not easily accessible aquatic habitats. Developments in sequencing technologies and reduction in costs are increasing the interest in complementing conventional sampling with indirect sampling of species through their eDNA. This study will use a combination of traditional eDNA metabarcoding and eDNA metagenomics to characterize (fish) communities in a Portuguese basin, the Tagus River, inhabited by several rare species including native and introduced. Additionally, the applicability of eDNA metagenomics for characterizing whole communities and population genetics will be assessed by comparing its results against those produced by eDNA metabarcoding and individual genetic screening, respectively. The use of eDNA metagenomics should be a more cost-effective way to extract large amounts of data on aquatic communities, species and populations, per water sample.