eDNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring Using DNBSEQ™ Workflows

Global biodiversity is under increasing pressure due to climate change, habitat degradation, and invasive species. Effective monitoring is essential for conservation and ecosystem management. Traditional biodiversity assessment methods are often labor-intensive, invasive, and limited in scope.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis provides a non-invasive, high-sensitivity alternative, enabling detection of organisms from DNA traces present in water, soil, or air. This approach allows comprehensive biodiversity profiling without direct organism capture.

MGI has developed sequencing technologies and automated workflows that support eDNA research across many environmental projects. These tools help researchers collect, process, and analyze data more efficiently, making biodiversity monitoring more scalable and precise.

1. Supporting Ecosystem Monitoring and Restoration

Monitoring the Yangtze River

In China’s Yangtze River basin, eDNA has been used regularly to track aquatic life. Over five years, monitoring revealed an increase of more than 20 species across multiple locations. Rare and protected species were also detected through their genetic traces.

This approach is not a one-off experiment, it represents a shift toward routine, standardized biodiversity monitoring. eDNA helps scientists:

• Track species diversity over time

• Detect rare or endangered organisms

• Measure ecosystem recovery

Streamlined Workflow

MGI’s system covers the entire process:

1. Field sampling using portable devices

2. Automated DNA extraction and preparation

3. High-throughput sequencing

4. Data analysis to identify species

Automation reduces manual work and improves consistency, allowing faster and more reliable results.

Mangrove Conservation in Thailand

Researchers in Thailand built genetic reference databases for mangrove species using sequencing technologies. These datasets help assess genetic diversity and guide conservation strategies.

Fish Monitoring in Wuhan’s East Lake

Using eDNA metabarcoding, scientists identified 51 fish species, including commercially important and invasive species. The entire workflow, from sample processing to sequencing, was completed in about 12 hours. This demonstrates how eDNA can deliver rapid and detailed biodiversity insights.

2. Research in Extreme Environments

eDNA is also expanding our understanding of life in extreme ecosystems such as deep oceans, polar regions, and coral reefs.

Key findings from recent studies include:

• Discovery of thousands of previously unknown microbial species in deep-sea environments

• Reconstruction of ancient DNA records showing long-term changes in wildlife populations

• Insights into how organisms adapt to harsh environments

In mangrove sediments, researchers reconstructed nearly 3,000 microbial genomes, revealing important ecological processes that support nutrient cycles.

3. Managing Invasive Species and Fisheries

An eDNA-based monitoring system was used to detect an invasive fish species threatening ecosystems and aquaculture in Thailand. The method successfully identified the species across multiple water bodies, demonstrating its value for early detection and environmental protection. Such approaches enable faster responses to ecological threats.

4. Improving Water Safety with Rapid Bacteria Detection

A new automated system combines eDNA sampling with rapid testing to detect viable bacteria in water. This reduces detection time from days to just a couple of hours while maintaining high accuracy.

This technology has already received international recognition for innovation.

5. Toward Automated and Scalable Monitoring

Beyond individual tools, MGI provides integrated solutions that automate the entire eDNA workflow, from sampling to data analysis. These systems:

• Reduce manual effort

• Improve data consistency

• Enable high-throughput monitoring

This paves the way for more advanced, “hands-off” environmental monitoring systems.

Key Takeaway

eDNA is transforming biodiversity monitoring by making it faster, more scalable, and less invasive. With advanced sequencing and automation, researchers can now gain deeper insights into ecosystems and make better-informed conservation decisions.

Interested to learn more? Contact us and schedule a call with our experts.