Application of E-Dna for Detection Faunal Diversity in a Lotic Habitat: A Review

Abstract

Decline in biodiversity is one of the greatest challenge faced by the world in the current times. The loss in biodiversity has led to extinction of many valuable species and has also affected the genetic variations appearing in the coming generation. This decreasing biodiversity has reduced the production of food grains and has declined the health of an individual. Fresh water ecosystems are source of rich biodiversity but unfortunately due to increasing pollution the ecosystems are undergoing decline in biodiversity in both lentic and lotic habitats. The first and foremost step in conservation of biodiversity is the introduction of a proper monitoring technique which is able to present a clear picture about the exact health status of the an ecosystem. Since, traditional and conventional techniques do not allow researchers to identify cryptic or immature life stages so, introduction of new and technologically equipped techniques for better assessment of the ecosystem is need of the hour. One such effective technique is the use of e-DNA for assessment of biodiversity, as the method is cheap, time saving and approachable it can be easily used for assessing any aquatic habitat. e-DNA actually refers to the genetic material obtained directly from environmental samples like soil, sediment and water without any signs of biological source material, it is an rapid, efficient, non-invasive and easy to standardize sampling approach. The paper is a genuine attempt to analyse the use of e-DNA for detecting faunal diversity of a lotic habitat, we have also discussed the use of e-DNA in detection of invasive species, studying trophic interactions and spawning ecology of different taxon and for monitoring the overall health status of a lotic ecosystem. Through this review researchers can better understand the potential advantages and future perspectives of using e-DNA for analyzing biodiversity of lotic ecosystems.