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A three dimensional representation of a landscape with fields, mountains and rivers, soil and oceans with words discribing how environmental DNA can be used in each area.

We can purify eDNA from environmental samples, such as water or soil, and sequence it to identify the presence or absences of species in a location. This is done by comparing eDNA to reference sequences for different species, which are known as DNA barcodes.

eDNA is increasingly being used around the world in very diverse ways, including:

  • detecting biosecurity pests
  • surveying the fish species present on reefs
  • detecting viruses like SARS-CoV2 in wastewater
  • searching for cryptic species like the platypus
  • measuring the productivity of fisheries
  • mapping species distributions
  • detecting rare and endangered species

At CSIRO, our expertise in eDNA spans many areas. The potential applications are enormous.

Talk to us about how we can help - whether you work in freshwater, marine, microbial or terrestrial systems.

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An illustration of the sources of eDNA data and its applications to environmental management.

We can purify eDNA from environmental samples, such as water or soil, and sequence it to identify the presence or absences of species in a location. This is done by comparing eDNA to reference sequences for different species, which are known as DNA barcodes.

eDNA is increasingly being used around the world in very diverse ways, including:

  • detecting biosecurity pests
  • surveying the fish species present on reefs
  • detecting viruses like SARS-CoV2 in wastewater
  • searching for cryptic species like the platypus
  • measuring the productivity of fisheries
  • mapping species distributions
  • detecting rare and endangered species

At CSIRO, our expertise in eDNA spans many areas. The potential applications are enormous.

Talk to us about how we can help - whether you work in freshwater, marine, microbial or terrestrial systems.

Microbial eDNA

Dr David Beale

Senior Research Scientist, Adjunct Professor of RMIT University

Mr Andrew Bissett

Team Leader (Oceans & Atmosphere)

Dr Gavin Rees

Team Leader (Land & Water)

Contact us

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