0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Detection Methods Environmental Sources Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Remediation Sign in to save

Application of Environmental DNA in the Air for Monitoring Biodiversity

Sustainability 2025 1 citation ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 53 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Qingyang Liu

Summary

This review examines the use of airborne environmental DNA as a non-invasive tool for monitoring biodiversity across multiple species groups simultaneously. While focused on biodiversity monitoring methodology, the study contributes to understanding how atmospheric sampling techniques can be used to track biological and environmental changes, including the presence of airborne contaminants.

There is a profound interdependence between biodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Biodiversity underpins the functioning of global ecosystems and human welfare, and the achievement of numerous SDGs is directly or indirectly linked to protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has exerted a great impact in the field of biodiversity monitoring. Airborne eDNA plays a significant role due to its non-invasive nature and the ability to monitor multiple taxonomic groups simultaneously. This review summarizes the technical principles, sampling methods, data analysis strategies of airborne eDNA and its application in biodiversity monitoring. In addition, it discusses the current technical challenges (e.g., pollution control, degradation mechanisms, and quantitative analysis) in the field, as well as future development directions, including optimizing sampling strategies, developing specific primers, integrating environmental RNA (eRNA), and establishing standardized monitoring systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of airborne eDNA technology to promote airborne wide application of eDNA in global biodiversity monitoring.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Review Tier 2

A State-of-the-Art Review of Aquatic eDNA  Sampling Technologies and Instrumentation: Advancements, Challenges, and Future  Prospects

This review surveys the current state of environmental DNA sampling technologies used to monitor aquatic biodiversity, covering methods from simple water filtration to automated in-situ samplers. Researchers found that while eDNA methods offer significant advantages over traditional species surveys, challenges remain in standardizing collection protocols and preventing contamination. The technology has broad implications for monitoring ecosystem health, including tracking how environmental stressors like pollution affect aquatic communities.

Article Tier 2

Utilizing aquatic environmental DNA to address global biodiversity targets

This review explores how environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis from water samples can help monitor aquatic biodiversity and track ecosystem health. While not directly about microplastics, eDNA technology is increasingly being adapted to study how plastic pollution affects aquatic ecosystems and species diversity. Better biodiversity monitoring tools help scientists understand the broader ecological impacts of microplastic contamination on the water systems that support human food and resources.

Article Tier 2

Exploitation of environmental DNA (eDNA) for ecotoxicological research: A critical review on eDNA metabarcoding in assessing marine pollution

This review examines how environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis -- a method that detects organisms through DNA traces left in water -- can be used to monitor the effects of marine pollution, including plastic waste. While eDNA does not detect plastics directly, it reveals how pollution changes the biodiversity of marine communities, serving as an early warning system. The approach could help scientists better track the ecological damage caused by microplastic contamination in oceans.

Systematic Review Tier 1

A systematic review of biomonitoring microplastics in environmental matrices: Emphasis on airborne particles, dry deposits, and comparative analysis with traditional methods

This systematic review examines methods for monitoring microplastics in the air, including airborne particles and deposits. Researchers have found microplastics everywhere from city streets to clouds, underscoring the extent of airborne plastic pollution that people breathe in every day.

Article Tier 2

Harnessing environmental DNA: revolutionizing holistic monitoring of aquatic biodiversity for fishery management under the One Health framework

This review paper examines a new monitoring technique called environmental DNA (eDNA) that can detect fish and other water creatures by testing water samples for genetic material they leave behind. Scientists believe this tool could help better manage fish populations and protect both ocean health and human food security, since healthy fisheries provide food for billions of people worldwide. However, the technology still needs improvements before it can be widely used to make decisions about fishing limits and water safety.

Share this paper