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Temperature-dependent spatial and seasonal distribution patterns of the invasive zebra mussel in an artificial lake assessed using environmental DNA
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Carlos Garcia De Leaniz ,
David J. Hall,
Sofia Consuegra del Olmo
Conservation Genetics Resources, Volume: 18, Issue: 1, Start page: 3
Swansea University Authors:
Teja Muha , Carlos Garcia De Leaniz , Sofia Consuegra del Olmo
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DOI (Published version): 10.1007/s12686-025-01406-5
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) combined with quantitative PCR analysis is a fast and accurate alternative to more costly and laborious physical methods to detect the highly invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). We have developed, in collaboration with the managing authorities of an artificial rese...
| Published in: | Conservation Genetics Resources |
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| ISSN: | 1877-7260 |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2026
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70921 |
| Abstract: |
Environmental DNA (eDNA) combined with quantitative PCR analysis is a fast and accurate alternative to more costly and laborious physical methods to detect the highly invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). We have developed, in collaboration with the managing authorities of an artificial reservoir, a cost-effective eDNA qPCR-High resolution melt (HRM) assay for zebra mussel which we used for a pilot monitoring of spatial-temporal fluctuations in density across the reservoir. Zebra mussel eDNA densities varied significantly across sampling locations and months, being lower in the winter (when zebra mussel growth is slower) and the highest in April (about a month ahead of the reproductive peak). Temperature was a significant predictor of eDNA concentration. We hypothesise that extreme temperatures might have triggered early reproduction, highlighting the need to plan regular monitoring exercises considering environmental variation, particularly in years with extreme variations. Establishing fast, accurate and affordable methods for regular zebra mussel monitoring is particularly relevant in relation to climate change and may allow prediction of reproductive peaks or distribution shifts. The collaboration with the managing authorities is essential for the regular monitoring of aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussel. |
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| Keywords: |
Invasive species; eDNA-barcoding; QPCR; Freshwater |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This work has been funded by a H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant/Award (Ref 642197, AQUAINVAD_ED). |
| Issue: |
1 |
| Start Page: |
3 |