Jun 17, 2020
Collecting eDNA from marine water samples in the field
- 1Marine Animal Ecology, Wageningen University
Protocol Citation: Reindert Nijland 2020. Collecting eDNA from marine water samples in the field. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.6yfhftn
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol in our group and it is working. I currently recommend using the Zymo DNA/RNA shield as a preferred method. We are still working on improvements.
Created: August 30, 2019
Last Modified: June 17, 2020
Protocol Integer ID: 27367
Keywords: eDNA extraction, Zymo Quick DNA Miniprep Plus Kit, Qiagen DNeasy kit, Preservation of filters with eDNA,
Abstract
This protocol describes the process of collecting eDNA from marine water samples in the field and four different approaches for preservation of filters with eDNA as well as eDNA extraction:
- Qiagen DNeasy kit
- Zymo DNA/RNA shield
- Longmire’s solution
- Alternative methods
Attachments
Guidelines
Remarks/Tips:
Water filtering:
The 250ml Nalgene unit is a nice size, but will clog quite rapidly if filtering lots of dirty water. You also need to empty and replace the bottom container more often, of just use a 1l (or 2l) scott/duran bottle as a replacement for the supplied 250ml bottle.
DNA Preservation method used:
For short preservation times, filters can be directly placed in ATL buffer (Qiagen DNeasy kit). This works well if you are able to process the samples within 48h or you have a freezer available within that time.
For preservation longer than a few days, I tested Longmire’s solution. Works well, but only compatible with Phenol/Chlorophorm extraction, which is laborious and also does not yield the best and purest DNA.
Now I switched to using Zymo DNA/RNA shield. Have no test results back, but expect good results, and major advantage is that it directly fits into both the Zymo Quick-DNA miniprep Plus kits as well as the Qiagen DNeasy kit. And DNA will be stable at RT for 1 month.
Materials
MATERIALS
Thermo Scientific™ Nalgene™ Rapid-Flow™ Sterile Disposable Filter Units with CN MembraneThermo ScientificCatalog #10792351
Please refer to the steps for additional materials as each step-case requires different materials.
Safety warnings
Please refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for safety warnings and hazard information.
Before start
Starting remarks:
All non-DNA free/not-gamma sterilized sampling devices are cleaned with a bleach solution or UV exposure before use to break down contamination DNA. Always wear gloves and minimize potential contamination with DNA from human handling and/or nearby food sources or animals.
Collect at least one control sample on site of sampling collection. Filter 500 ml of DNA free Milli-Q (if not available, use tap water) at each location, to monitor contamination during the filtering and subsequent DNA extraction.
Collection of eDNA from the water on a filter membrane
Collection of eDNA from the water on a filter membrane
Collect water in an appropriate sterile, DNA free container.
Note
For marine samples collected during scuba diving, we use a small hand-pump and a punch-balloon.
Filter 1 L -2 L with the 250 ml filters (0.8 micron, cellulose nitrate) from Nalgene.
Connect filter unit to vacuum pump, filter by vacuum.
Note
I use a small vacuum-pump from ebay, powered with a 12V power pack. (DC12V Mini Vacuum Pump Negative Pressure Suction Pump)
Using the vacuum, make sure the filter is dry, as to much transfer of liquid influences preservation and downstream DNA isolation.
Cut filter from filter unit, it is glued in place. No problem to cut off outer 0.5 cm of filter. Use sterile scalpel + scalpel holder. Fold filter twice using scalpel+tweezers.
Insert filter in 2 ml screwcap tube prefilled with 400 µL preservation solution .
Note
It is possible to use other tubes, but not when using 3d-fuge, as these do not fit and will snap open during centrifugation.
Shake tube with filter, to fully soak in the preservation solution. Repeat after 00:02:00 -00:03:00 to re-soak. Filter ready for storage.
The DNA is now collected on the filter. Either directly continue with the DNA isolation protocol of choice, or store the preserved the DNA on the filter, depending on preservation method used.
Qiagen DNeasy kit, short term (<48h) preservation:
- Store filter in 400 µL ATL buffer from the DNeasy kit, shake well, store at Room temperature or below.
Zymo DNA/RNA shield, short+longterm preservation:
- Store filter in 400 µL DNA/RNA Shield , shake well, store at Room temperature or below.
Longmire’s solution: longterm preservation:
- Store filter in 500 µL -1 mL longmire’s solution , shake well, store at RT or below
- cheap, works ok, but only compatible with Phenol/Chlorophorm extraction, which is laborious and also does not yield the best and purest DNA.
Note
Other alternative preservation methods: ethanol, freezing, DMSO, DESS, dehydration, combinations, etc.
Qiagen DNeasy kit, short term (<48h) preservation8 steps
Store filter in 400 µL ATL buffer from the DNeasy kit, shake well, store at Room temperature or below.
eDNA extraction
eDNA extraction
When in the lab, add 20 µL protK .
Incubate at 56 °C for 00:10:00 -00:30:00 .
Follow standard protocol for blood samples: Since using 400 µL volume, double amount of AL and Ethanol: add 400 µL Buffer AL . Mix thoroughly by vortexing, add 400 µL Ethanol . mix by vortexing, load on spin column, etc..
Note
- Pipetting is a bit of hassle with the filter in the tube, best to remove most buffer, spin shortly, remove rest. Also you will need to load the DNA filter tube twice to process all liquid.
- Elute in either recommended 200 µL AE or use lower elution volume (down to 50 µL ) if more concentrated DNA is required.
Add 400 µL Buffer AL .
Mix thoroughly by vortexing.
Add 400 µL Ethanol .
Mix by vortexing.
Load on spin column.