Development and Application of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Techniques to Detect Rough-Footed and Yellow Mud Turtles: A Seasonal Field Study to Detect Turtle eDNA

Author

Sakib Tahmid Rishan, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

First Advisor

MD Saydur Rahman

Second Advisor

Richard J. Kline

Third Advisor

Ahmed Touhami

Abstract

The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) has improved the ability of humans to detect the existence and geographical distribution of aquatic organisms. The present study highlights the development and application of eDNA techniques to detect rough-footed mud turtles and yellow mud turtles in different areas in Texas. Both mud turtle species were successfully detected in lakes/resacas using direct eDNA sampling techniques. Moreover, passive eDNA sampling techniques were conducted using different membrane filters to detect mud turtle species. The findings indicated that only the mixed cellulose esters (MCE) filter membranes effectively identified eDNA of yellow mud turtles in the fall, but not in winter. These findings emphasize the importance of considering seasonal variations for detecting mud turtle species using passive eDNA sampling techniques. Finally, a literature review of eDNA applications to detect subterranean and aquatic invasive species has also highlighted its challenges and limitations.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Sakib Tahmid Rishan.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/pqdtglobal1/dissertations-theses/development-application-environmental-dna-edna/docview/3085286215/sem-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Rishan, Sakib Tahmid, "Development and Application of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Techniques to Detect Rough-Footed and Yellow Mud Turtles: A Seasonal Field Study to Detect Turtle eDNA" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1481.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1481