Booth Id:
EAEV046
Category:
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Year:
2019
Finalist Names:
Guerra, Angelina (School: Edgewood Junior Senior High School)
Abstract:
Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection is utilized to non-invasively detect logistically difficult to identify
organisms. Genetic material shed into the environment is concentrated from samples and analyzed for target
species presence. Monitoring techniques which require human interaction may pose unnecessary risk,
particularly when the targeted habitat is critically endangered.
Here, I demonstrate an innovative device for environmental DNA collection that circumvents previous
limitations. Water was sampled at varying volumes (30ml, 20ml, 10ml) in nearshore Space Coast marine
environments, was processed through silica solid phase extraction, and analyzed for DNA volume and
concentration using Spectrophotometric techniques. Data demonstrated a positive linear relationship between
water volume and DNA yield. mtDNA (LTCM1, HDCM1) assay primers and a novel probe were developed
for the endangered Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) as an augmentation to surveying efforts for the species
and was implemented to test for the presence of the chelonid in water samples utilizing PCR fluorometry.
Detection occurrence was highest at sites of historical chelonid prevalence (93.33%). The data obtained
supports the validation of this device as an adaptable, low cost, open-source tool for surveyors.
The modular design of the device allows for portability and implementation in a variety of transport and
unmanned control circumstances. Stealthy Unmanned Surface Vessel and Aerial Vehicles were developed as
well as an array of command Control linked orientations to utilize jointly with the device for biometric sensor
fusion. eDNA derived detection may augment visual surveying in the future to provide more robust
visualization of species mapping for researchers.
Awards Won:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: First Award of $1500.00