As climate change accelerates the melting of Arctic glaciers, previously inaccessible landscapes are emerging, offering unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery. One such newly exposed environment is the Eidembukta Lagoon, a site of significant interest to researchers at Klaipeda University in Lithuania. Their research focuses on understanding the ecological transformations in this recently uncovered ecosystem to gain insights into its evolution and impact.
Leveraging eDNA for Ecosystem Monitoring
Klaipeda University employs a comprehensive suite of techniques, ranging from topographic surveys to biochemical analyses, to assess the lagoon’s waterbody characteristics. A crucial component of this research is environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which provides a deeper understanding of the ecosystem’s dynamics and biodiversity. The application of eDNA metabarcoding, a high-throughput sequencing technique, allows characterizing the composition and structure of communities across various trophic levels as well as enables inference of represented ecosystems functions, providing critical insights into dynamics of the emerging habitats .
Sequench’s Contribution to Arctic Research
At Sequench, we play a vital role in this groundbreaking research through our Lithuanian branch. We handle the sequencing of eDNA samples collected by the university, utilizing our advanced eDNA sequencing services. This collaboration enables Klaipeda University to monitor and track the ongoing ecological changes in the Eidembukta Lagoon with each visit. Our research has already revealed distinct biodiversity patterns within the lagoon, with certain locations forming unique microhabitats, with lower eukaryotic diversity but more complex bacterial communities. Strong horizontal and vertical gradients were observed, influenced by the age of the ecosystem formation as well as hydrological processes, shaping strong stratification of water layers.
This information is crucial for understanding how new ecosystems interact and evolve over time, providing critical data that could inform future conservation efforts. By supporting Klaipeda University’s research, Sequench is at the forefront of environmental science, leveraging cutting-edge eDNA technology to unlock the secrets of the Arctic’s rapidly changing landscapes.
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