The analytical approaches taken vary from single-species detection to bulk environmental sample analysis, depending largely on the focus of data generation. However, for freshwater systems, there is often a lack of consideration as to the optimal sample type for maximising detection of macroinvertebrates.
Ecology, life stage and habitat preference (i.e. benthic or water column) of macroinvertebrates ultimately influences the rate of DNA detection depending on the sampling approach taken. DNA-based biomonitoring data collected for freshwater macroinvertebrates often focuses on detection of groups Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Trichoptera (caddisflies) and Odonata (dragonflies & damselflies), to infer the health status of freshwater systems.
In their larval stage, these macroinvertebrates – commonly referred to as EPTO – occupy the benthos in rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Considering this, water samples have been proposed as a surrogate source of macroinvertebrate DNA, despite lack of understanding as to whether water provides sufficient taxonomic recovery of macroinvertebrates, particularly of EPTO groups.
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