In this study, Dylan Jon Keel investigates the effects of depth, distance to shore, and water velocity on environmental DNA (eDNA) concentrations in the Klamath River, California. This research focuses on two types of eDNA: organismal eDNA from the parasite Ceratonova shasta and extra-organismal eDNA from juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). By sampling water across various river sections and analyzing the DNA with droplet digital PCR, Keel found that eDNA concentrations varied widely, with depth significantly impacting salmon DNA levels. This work suggests that environmental factors can affect eDNA detection, which has implications for accurately monitoring aquatic species.
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