DOI: 10.5061/dryad.3s6b300
title: Data from: A self-preserving, partially biodegradable eDNA filter

description: 1. eDNA studies often rely on water filtration in the field and immediate
 sample preservation to prevent DNA degradation during sample transport.
 However, filter membrane transfer steps for preservation can increase risk
 of sample contamination and the reliance on typical single-use filter
 housings produces significant plastic waste. 2. We created a new eDNA
 filter housing (compatible with any suction pump) partially comprised of a
 biodegradable, hydrophilic material that functions to automatically
 preserve captured eDNA via desiccation – no filter membrane transfer
 steps, no chemical or cold storage required. 3. We tested the
 self-preservation capabilities of the desiccating filter housings by
 filtering replicate samples in an eDNA mesocosm study and compared with
 ethanol preservation. Self-preserving filters were placed back into
 original packaging for storage, and samples for both preservation methods
 were kept at room temperature until extraction at prescribed time points
 (11 days, 18 days, 25 days, 32 days, 60 days, 88 days, 172 days)
 post-filtration. Paired field samples were also collected from six pond
 locations targeting an additional species to demonstrate field
 performance. 4. Quantitative PCR results from the mesocosm study indicated
 that both methods effectively preserved eDNA over a 6-month storage
 period, with the self- preserving filters yielding slightly more target
 DNA on average (SQ = 329 copies) than ethanol-preserved samples (SQ = 288
 copies) (F 1,38 = 4.050, p = 0.051). Neither method showed signs of
 degradation after 172 days. Results from field sampling indicated a larger
 difference between preservation methods, with the self-preserving filters
 containing approximately 2X the eDNA of ethanol-preserved samples on
 average (paired t-test, p = 0.020). 5. These data suggest that
 self-preserving eDNA filter housings are a viable alternative to standard
 ethanol preservation methods and may provide higher detection sensitivity
 in some circumstances. The new filter housings should also help reduce the
 risk of sample contamination, minimizes protocol steps, and result in less
 plastic waste. Such innovations are important to assure eDNA data quality
 and to help facilitate the inclusion of non-expert sample collectors (e.g.
 citizen scientists) in research programs.
description: Mudsnail_qPCR.csvData from the mesocosm preservation study: method – ET = ethanol, SE = self-preserving; time_point – DNA extraction time point (number of days since sample collection); replicate – filter sample replicate for each method/time-point combination (R1 = replicate 1); SQ – Mudsnail eDNA starting quantity values in DNA copies per qPCR reactionSpotted_frog_qPCR.csvColumbia spotted frog eDNA detection data from six sampling locations and reported in starting quantity per Liter (SQ/L). Columns indicate the sampling locations and rows indicate the eDNA preservation method (ET is ethanol, SE is self-preserving). Unlike mudsnail SQ values which are reported in DNA copies, these SQ/L values are based on a tissue extract standard curve and therefore relative to the particular laboratory standard.