An eDNA Source Tracking Toolkit and Workshop to Increase Accessibility and Confidence in Next Generation Microbial Source Tracking

ABSTRACT

Effective management of fecal contamination in coastal areas requires identifying the biological sources of contamination to protect human and ecosystem health. Current microbial source tracking (MST) methods experience limitations in source identification and/or reliability. Therefore, a need exists for robust next generation source tracking methods to improve understanding of fecal sources. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metagenomics is an approach that enables sampling of organisms without physically coming into contact with or observing species and can also provide valuable ecological context to field sites. Despite its advantages, metagenomic MST has not yet been fully implemented and remains uncommon in routine monitoring programs. The eDNA Source Tracking Toolkit was created to serve as a framework that enables community partners and stakeholders to implement this technology on local, need‐based scales, increasing impact and benefiting communities. The Toolkit contains recommendations, protocols, and best practices for sample processing, sequencing, bioinformatics, and data visualization, as well as a comprehensive list of supplies needed for implementing each step of the eDNA Source Tracking Toolkit workflow. An eDNA Source Tracking Toolkit Workshop was hosted at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL to introduce local researchers and community stakeholders to the Toolkit and increase use of this new MST tool. Workshop participants were surveyed before, immediately after, and 6 months after the workshop to gauge utility of the Workshop and knowledge retention. Overall, the Workshop and Toolkit were well received, with the majority of participants reporting learning new skills, gaining new information, and stimulating new ideas or perspectives. This study exemplifies how structured resources and training frameworks can lower barriers to adopting next generation eDNA approaches in water quality monitoring.