From nano to macro: (e)DNA for marine biotechnology in an upwelling zone of the South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is the genetic material obtained directly from environ- mental samples. The taxonomic information encrypted in eDNA, an efficient tool for biodiversity assessments, has revealed important ecological information in marine ecosystems. However, utilizing eDNA in a conservation context requires explicit unders- tanding of its determinants in marine ecosystem. The presence of eDNA are influenced by biology, physics and chemistry regulating the entrance, integrity, and permanence in marine environments. Despite the increasing research using marine eDNA, such factors are often overlooked, hindering data interpretation and comparison between studies. Understanding the determinants of eDNA in marine environments will allow for monitoring marine ecosystems, distinguishing between localized and widespread populations of marine organisms, identifying the presence of invasive or endangered species, and optimizing sampling and ecological interpretations of eDNA detection. Th- rough an unprecedented literature review, we present a comprehensive overview of the factors affecting the eDNA dynamics in marine environments, identify knowledge gaps, suggest future research directions, and offer a framework for developing standardized protocols and integrated studies in the field.