Research and analysis

A DNA based metabarcoding approach to assess diatom communities in rivers

A novel, DNA based method to monitor and assess the make-up of diatom communities in rivers.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 2 March 2018

Documents

A DNA based metabarcoding approach to assess diatom communities in rivers: summary

Ref: SC140024/S

PDF, 234 KB, 2 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

A DNA based metabarcoding approach to assess diatom communities in rivers: report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-84911-406-6, SC140024/R

PDF, 4.12 MB, 157 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This project has established a novel, DNA based method to monitor and assess the make-up of diatom communities in rivers. This new approach will mean we can analyse a lot more samples more quickly.

We collect data on animal and plant life in the river to help us to understand, assess and manage the health of the environment. Diatoms, with around 2800 UK freshwater species recorded, are a type of microscopic algae used alongside other organisms to assess the ecological status of a river.

This project is part of a wider programme of research by the Environment Agency and other UK agencies to explore and develop DNA based methods for ecological assessment. This work will help us to approach the development of DNA based methods for other organism groups and water body types. Examples of other work include assessing the feasibility of using DNA based methods for fish in lakes, macroinvertebrates in rivers and lakes, and for the monitoring and surveillance of non-native invasive species.

Published 2 March 2018