Research Progress on the Application of Environmental DNA
In recent years,environmental DNA(eDNA)has been widely used in various fields,including food microbiology,biological monitoring,community ecology,study on palaeo-environment,conservation biology and invasion ecology,etc. As the study methods of eDNA were advantaged by non-invasiveness,convenience for sampling and detection of cryptic species,eDNA could be considered as an attractive alternative to extensive direct sampling in ecological system. In this paper,its definition and development history were summarized;the study steps were introduced from the aspects of DNA barcode selection and design,sample collection,DNA extraction,DNA amplification and sequencing,and analysis on DNA barcode data;then its application in such fields as alien species invasion,species detection,biomass estimation and aquatic ecosystem monitoring,was described;all problems encountered during the above steps were summarized,and its application prospect was prospected. The review provided some references to fully learn the application of eDNA.