Environment

UF researcher uses river water DNA to detect species, disease, and pollution at once

University of Florida biologist David Duffy led research showing that a single water sample can simultaneously identify DNA from animals, plants, fungi, and human waste, providing a rapid portrait of ecosystem health. The technique detected the deadly amphibian fungus B. dendrobatidis in Ireland for the first time, revealing a previously unknown threat to the country’s frog population. The same method also tracked sewage pollution over time, capturing a measurable decline in human waste after a new wastewater treatment facility began operating.

Sources: UF News