Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: DNA-based techniques are increasingly used for measuring the biodiversity (species presence, identity, abundance and community composition) of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While there are numerous reviews of molecular methods and bioinformatic steps, there has been little consideration of the methods used to collect samples upon which these later steps are based. This represents a critical knowledge gap, as methodologically sound field sampling is the foundation for subsequent analyses. We reviewed field sampling methods used for metabarcoding studies of both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem biodiversity over a nearly three-year period (n = 75). We found that 95% (n = 71) of these studies used subjective sampling methods and inappropriate field methods and/or failed to provide critical methodological information. It would be possible for researchers to replicate only 5% of the metabarcoding studies in our sample, a poorer level of reproducibility than for ecological studies in general. Our findings suggest greater attention to field sampling methods, and reporting is necessary in eDNA-based studies of biodiversity to ensure robust outcomes and future reproducibility. Methods must be fully and accurately reported, and protocols developed that minimize subjectivity. Standardization of sampling protocols would be one way to help to improve reproducibility and have additional benefits in allowing compilation and comparison of data from across studies.
Source: Molecular Ecology Resources
Institutions: Lincoln University, University of Canterbury, Bio-Protection Research Centre, Université de Tours, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR 7261, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland University of Technology, University of Canberra, Polar Knowledge Canada, University of Waikato, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, University of Auckland, University of Otago, Western Sydney University, New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2803453656