Polígono de Cros, Cantabria
Environmental Genetics
Environmental Genetics
Environmental Genetics

Genetics offers many possibilities in the study of ecosystems, standing out from other techniques due to its high reliability in the detection and identification of species. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) allows the genetic detection of species present in aquatic ecosystems, with high sensitivity and precision, without the need to capture or damage them, even when the species are found in low numbers. This makes it the ideal technique for biosecurity studies, e.g. early warning of invasive or pathogenic species, as well as for the study and monitoring of protected or endangered species. ADN ambiental (eDNA) permite detectar genéticamente las especies presentes en los ecosistemas acuáticos, con una alta sensibilidad y precisión, sin necesidad de capturarlas ni dañarlas; aún cuando las especies se encuentran en una baja proporción. Esto la convierte en la técnica ideal para estudios de bioseguridad, p.e. de alerta temprana de especies invasoras o patógenas, así como para el estudio y monitorización de especies protegidas o en peligro.

At ECOHYDROS we have geneticists who can advise you on the use of eDNA, as well as other techniques with which you can get closer to aquatic ecosystems through population studies, genetic variability, hybridisation, etc. We offer solutions adapted to all needs and we have the genetic tools that will allow you to accurately explore the ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

WHAT ARE WE WORKING ON?

GENETIC IDENTIFICATION

eDNA allows the detection and identification of elusive or difficult to locate species using traditional techniques that are more complicated or costly.

SPECIES DETECTION

Species identification (barcoding) or community identification (metabarcoding) in biosecurity or population ecology work.

POPULATION AND HYBRIDISATION STUDIES

Characterisation of populations as an essential objective in biodiversity conservation and management studies. To understand natural hybridisation processes or hybridisation processes caused by human action thanks to new genetic techniques.
To understand natural hybridisation processes, or those deliberately caused by human action, through new genetic techniques.

eDNA IS THE TOOL OF THE FUTURE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

ECOHYDROS is a pioneer in advising administrations working on the quality of aquatic ecosystems, the conservation of protected species, and the control of invasive species.

GENETIC IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES

BARCODING:
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

The genetic identification of species has numerous applications ranging from biosecurity of invasive species to food safety, biodiversity conservation and species protection studies, prevention of diseases, pests or parasites, among others. Sometimes, the traditional determination by morphological characters becomes particularly complex for certain organisms or stages (larvae, juveniles, etc.), so genetic identification allows the identity of these organisms to be clarified. On other occasions, genetic study can be the most precise and rapid tool for identifying certain species. At ECOHYDROS we can advise you on the best method for species identification.

labo-1

METABARCODING:
COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION

It may be that instead of looking for specific individuals or species, you may want to analyse the whole community that inhabits a particular ecosystem. Metabarcoding or mass sequencing techniques allow all the specimens present in an environmental sample (water, sediments, etc.) to be analysed with environmental DNA in a single analysis. For the first time, these techniques make it possible to analyse microscopic and even unicellular organisms, previously ignored in community studies. The Environmental Genetics Area of ECOHYDROS will be able to advise you on which procedure is the best for your project and will also be able to carry it out.

SPECIES DETECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

Environmental DNA is the most powerful non-invasive species detection technique currently available. It allows the detection and identification of elusive species, species that are difficult to sample with traditional techniques. Also others that are found in low numbers, simply by taking samples from the environment in which they live.

STUDY OF SPECIMENS

The genetic detection of specimens makes it possible to identify species with a high degree of precision and speed. Certain species can be very similar to others and easily confused, and it is here where genetic detection and identification plays a fundamental role in the conservation, management and handling of ecosystems.

POPULATION AND HYBRIDISATION STUDIES
Sale of field kits for real-time eDNA detection

Biomeme has developed the SARS-CoV-2 assay, which allows the detection of Wuhan coronavirus in a saliva or droplet sample.

We advise you on products for

Contact Us
How can we help?

Contact us to receive information about our company or to request a quote to work with us.

Advanced ecology
Publishings
Sustainability
Contact Us