Sampling

DNA metabarcoding relies heavily on the quality of sampling methods, which are crucial for obtaining representative and uncontaminated samples.

The process begins with the careful planning of sampling sites and times to capture the diversity within the target environment accurately. It is essential to follow standardised protocols to minimise variation and ensure consistency across samples. Proper use of sterile tools and containers is critical to prevent cross-contamination, which can significantly skew the results. Additionally, understanding the ecology and behaviour of target organisms can guide more effective sampling strategies, leading to more comprehensive biodiversity assessments.

Click on the following tabs to get more information about sample types, sample storage, and sample number and scale of the project:

In addition to the number of samples, the spatial and temporal scale of sampling is critical. Sampling should be conducted across different seasons, times of day, and varying environmental conditions to capture temporal dynamics in biodiversity. Spatially, samples should cover a range of microhabitats and environmental gradients to ensure that the full spectrum of biodiversity is assessed. This comprehensive approach is vital for understanding ecological patterns and processes, enabling more accurate and meaningful interpretations of DNA metabarcoding data.

For your deeper understanding about sampling approaches, including the quantity, scale of sample collection for eDNA studies, check out this scientific article – Towards robust and repeatable sampling methods in eDNA-based studies (Dickie et al. 2018). You may also find it useful to explore an example protocol for collecting marine eDNA samples from rocky shore environments (Simons DL, 2024).

DNA degradation is one of the major concerns during the process of sampling. On the following page you will learn how the degradation can be mitigated.