Littlefair, J E; Allerton, J J; Brown, A S; Butterfield, D M; Robins, C; Economou, C K; Garrett, N R; Clare, E L (2023) Air-quality networks collect environmental DNA with the potential to measure biodiversity at continental scales. Current Biology, 33 (11). pp. R426-R428.

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Abstract

One of the biggest planetary challenges is the accelerating loss of biodiversity threatening ecosystem functioning on a global scale. The WWF Living Planet Report estimates a 69% decline in populations since 1970. The Convention on Biological Diversity and related international treaties ask countries to monitor shifts in community composition and assess rates of species decline to quantify extant biodiversity relative to global targets. However, quantifying biodiversity is a challenge, and monitoring continual change is impossible at almost any scale due to a lack of standardized data and indicators. A common problem is that the required infrastructure for such global monitoring does not exist. Here, we challenge this notion by analysing environmental DNA (eDNA) captured along with particulate matter by routine ambient air quality monitoring stations in the UK.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Air Quality and Airborne Particulates
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.036
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2023 10:45
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9857