eDNA Water Kit Instructions

These protocols are for water sample collection using an EnviroDNA eDNA kit. Review the steps before starting your survey to help avoid inconclusive results from incorrect collection. More information on tips for avoiding contamination and other sampling considerations are found here. When you’re done, return your samples safely to our laboratory for analysis.

Kit Contents

Sample kit with data label
Gloves
Large plastic syringe
Disc filter(s)
Small preservation buffer syringe(s)

Additional pole sampling equipment

Sampling pole and bottle
Paper towel
Spray bottle with 1:10 bleach/water solution

Protocol

Step 1 – Open the kit & gloves

Put on the latex gloves provided.

Step 2 – Prepare the filter

Remove the filter from the kit.
Label the filter disc clearly with the replicate number (1, 2, or 3).

Step 3 – Collect water

Take the large syringe from the kit.
Draw up 50 mL of water directly from the sampling site.

Step 4 – Attach the filter

Take the filter labeled 1.
Screw it securely onto the syringe.

Step 5 – Push water

Push water in syringe through the filter.

Step 6 – Repeat sampling

Remove the filter once sampling is complete.
Repeat Steps 3–6 with a new filter until the filter becomes clogged.

Step 7 – Record volume

Note the total volume of water that was pushed through the filter.
Write this on the kit site label.

Step 8 – Dry the filter

Remove the filter from the syringe.
Draw air into the syringe, reattach the filter, and push the air through to dry the filter.

Step 9 – Add preservation buffer

Take the preservation buffer syringe and attach it to the filter.
Push the buffer through the filter and leave the syringe attached.

Step 10 – Seal the sample

Place the preservative cap onto the other end of the filter to securely seal the sample.

Step 11 – Store and label

Place the filters back into the sampling kit.
Fill out the site label information completely.

Step 12 – Return samples

Once all replicate sampling is complete, send your samples to EnviroDNA following the return instructions provided.

Sampling Pole Protocol

Before you begin, please note when you reach your next site, repeat these sterilisation steps to ensure there is no contamination between sites. However sterilisation is not necessary between replicate samples at the same site.

Step 1 – Decontaminate the pole

Spray the part of the sampling pole that came into contact with water using a bleach/water solution.

Step 2 – Wipe the pole

Use a paper towel to remove any excess bleach solution from the pole.

Step 3 – Rinse equipment

Rinse the equipment 2–3 times with water from the site to remove any residual bleach.
Note: Perform the rinse downstream from your proposed sampling site.

Step 4 – Collect sample water

Fill a bottle with water from the sampling site.
Use the syringe to draw water from the bottle to take your sample.
Follow the steps above to continue collecting your samples.