Application of Environmental DNA in Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring: Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology is a method for identifying specific biological species by monitoring the presence of DNA fragments in the environment. This technology has the capacity to detect a wide range of species, including elusive and cryptic organisms, by analyzing the genetic material in the environment. The advantages of high sensitivity, wide spatial coverage and non-invasiveness provide many opportunities for its application in identifying and monitoring aquatic organisms, improving our ability to detect and quantify biodiversity. Furthermore, eDNA technology can provide an accurate, convenient and standardizable solution for regularly monitoring aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of eDNA in ecology and conservation has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. However, eDNA still faces numerous challenges, including DNA degradation, risk of contamination and the absence of standardized protocols. Nonetheless, the application of eDNA in aquatic ecosystem monitoring holds considerable promise, particularly in light of technological advancements. As technology evolves, the accuracy, scalability and applicability of eDNA in diverse ecosystems are steadily improving. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the application of eDNA technology in aquatic ecosystem monitoring, addressing its technical limitations and potential future developments.