Can DNA from a species of fish that no longer lives in a watercourse, remain in the habitat for some time and bias the results?

Modified on: Fri, 21 Dec, 2018 at 12:40 PM


Generally, eDNA persists in the environment for a short time. The duration is dependent on environmental conditions but is quantified, in standard conditions, between 4-58 days. 

So within this time frame, it is still possible to determine the presence of fish species that may no longer be present in the watercourse.


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ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA)