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Unlocking Rivers Hidden Diversity and Ecological Status using DNA Metabarcoding in Northwest Spain.
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  • Álvaro Fueyo Rodríguez,
  • Omar Sánchez Fernández,
  • Carlos Carleos,
  • Amando Escudero Marina,
  • Javier Cordón,
  • Javier Granero Castro,
  • Yaisel Borrell
Álvaro Fueyo Rodríguez
Universidad de Oviedo

Corresponding Author:pelayalva@gmail.com

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Omar Sánchez Fernández
Taxus Medio Ambiente S.L.
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Carlos Carleos
Universidad de Oviedo
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Amando Escudero Marina
Taxus Medio Ambiente S.L.
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Javier Cordón
Taxus Medio Ambiente S.L.
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Javier Granero Castro
Taxus Medio Ambiente S.L.
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Yaisel Borrell
Universidad de Oviedo
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Abstract

1. Rivers are crucial ecosystems supporting biodiversity and human well-being, yet they face increasing degradation globally. Traditional river biomonitoring methods based on morphological identification of macroinvertebrates present challenges in terms of taxonomic resolution and scalability. 2. This study explores the application of DNA metabarcoding analysis in both bulk and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for comprehensive assessment of macrozoobenthic biodiversity, detection of invasive and endangered species, and evaluation of river ecological status in northwestern Spain. 3. DNA metabarcoding of homogenised bulk samples and water eDNA revealed a mean of 100 and 87 macrozoobenthos species per sample respectively. However, it was a significantly different specific composition with only 27.3% of the total species shared. It was not possible to identify all the OTUs to species level, only 17.43% and 49.4% of the OTUs generated could be identified to species level In the Bulk and eDNA samples respectively. However, a total of 11 exotic species (2 first records for the Iberian Peninsula and another 3 first records for Asturias region) and 1 endangered species were detected by molecular tools. Molecular methods showed significant correlations with morphological identification for EQR values (Ecological quality ratio) of IBMWP index, yet differences in inferred river ecological status were noted, with bulk samples tending to indicate higher status. 4. Overall, DNA metabarcoding offers a promising approach for river biomonitoring, providing insights into biodiversity, invasive species, and ecological status within a single analysis. Further optimization and intercalibration are needed for its implementation in routine biomonitoring programs, but its scalability and multi-tasking capabilities position it as a valuable tool for integrated monitoring of river ecosystems.
09 Apr 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
10 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
10 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
29 May 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
01 Jul 20241st Revision Received
05 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
05 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
05 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept