project

Diagnostics of ecological surface water quality with DNA tools

The Netherlands is required to comply with the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) by 2027 at the latest but the quality of many surface waters still falls short. The current monitoring methods, which are based on yardsticks for plants, animals and algae, respond slowly to changes and provide little insight into the causes of poor water quality. Fast, reliable tools are needed that can both predict ecological status and diagnose the underlying processes. New techniques based on environmental DNA (eDNA) and bacterial DNA are opening up promising avenues in this respect.

Objective

The project focuses on developing and comparing innovative DNA tools to improve the monitoring of the ecological water quality of Dutch surface waters. An alternative eDNA tool is being developed for food web analyses with a higher taxonomic resolution. In addition, a DNA tool is being developed to map out the genetic diversity of bacteria. The idea is that water laboratories and water management authorities will use these tools routinely in order to make diagnoses and predictions more quickly and reliably.

Activiteiten

The project consists of four principal activities:

  1. the development of an alternative eDNA tool and a bacterial DNA monitoring tool, including sequencing and bioinformatics analysis;
  2. research into the effect of sampling locations on measurements of biodiversity;
  3. the comparison of the performance of the developed tools with existing methods;
  4. dissemination and knowledge sharing, including protocols, publications and a stakeholder workshop.

Result

By the end of the project, improved DNA monitoring tools will be available to determine both the food web and the bacterial composition of surface waters. In addition, laboratory protocols, reports and articles will be provided to allow water laboratories and management authorities to make informed decisions about implementation.

Intended impact

The use of these DNA tools will make it possible to assess ecological water quality and diagnose the causes of deterioration faster and more cost-effectively. This will help water management authorities to take targeted action and comply with the WFD sooner. Drinking water utilities will benefit from improvements in source quality, keeping drinking water production sustainable and affordable. In the long term, the project will contribute to resilient nature, the enhancement of biodiversity and a future-resilient water system in the Netherlands.