Project entitled "Creation of a Genetic Research Laboratory and Introduction of Environmental Reconnaissance and Diagnostic Services for Inland Waters Based on Environmental DNA Analyses"
eDNA services:
- Detection of specific single species based on environmental DNA (species-targeted testing – verification of the presence of a specific DNA fragment)
- Detection of species composition of aquatic fauna communities based on environmental DNA
- Instant detection of protected species based on the capabilities of a mobile laboratory.
- eDNA Barcoding (m.in.: Unio crassus, Ophiogomphus cecilia, Leucorrhinia pectoralis, Cobitis taenia, Sabanejewia baltica, Lampetra planeri, Lampetra fluviatilis, Misgurnus fossilis, Rhodeus amarus, Bombina variegata, Bombina bombina, Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Emys orbicularis, Lutra lutra)
- eDNA Metabarcoding (aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians)
- Large-scale environmental inventories establishing actual colonization of water reservoirs by protected fauna species
- Inventory studies establishing the occurrence of protected species regardless of the season
- Monitoring of the population status of selected species based on environmental DNA
Do you need environmental DNA analysis?
We are currently developing realization capabilities in this area and implementing them in Poland.
Our team has been carrying out the project: “Establishment of a Laboratory for Genetic Research and Offering Services for the Assessment of Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystems Based on Environmental DNA Analysis”, contract no. UWP-NORW.19.01.02-04-0003/22-00, co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 under the scheme Innovation in the Area of Inland or Marine Waters of the program Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation, in the amount of EUR 419,593.26.
We have established a laboratory for environmental genetic research, taking advantage of opportunities arising from the rapid development of environmental DNA (eDNA) studies. The laboratory’s analytical capabilities allow us to use state-of-the-art molecular techniques, including DNA barcoding and DNA metabarcoding, to quickly and reliably assess the state of the environment. Our work focuses on aquatic ecosystems and their immediate surroundings, including water-related wetlands and marshes.
Potencjał aplikacyjny rozwoju nauk filogenetyki molekularnej wykorzystywany jest do świadczenia usług związanych z zarządzaniem populacjami gatunków chronionych oraz usług przygotowawczych do realizacji inwestycji ingerujących w środowiska wodne w sposób wykluczający ich wpływ na cenne zasoby przyrodnicze.
The laboratory is equipped to independently and efficiently collect samples from inland water environments throughout Poland. It enables rapid detection of the presence of specific species in aquatic habitats. Negative findings (indicating absence of a species) are also considered reliable, particularly for species that are difficult to observe in traditional field studies, where lack of observation does not necessarily imply absence.
The laboratory applies the potential of molecular phylogenetic sciences to provide services supporting the management of protected species populations and preparatory work for investments that may impact aquatic environments, while minimizing effects on valuable natural resources.
The key advantage of our services is the ability to deliver rapid, credible, and unambiguous environmental assessments, providing precise and scientifically reliable results.
Environmental DNA Laboratory
Our team has been carrying out the project: „Establishment of a laboratory for genetic research and offering services of freshwater aquatic ecosystems recognition based on environmental DNA analysis”, contract no. UWP-NORW.19.01.02-04-0003/22-00, co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 under the scheme Innovation in the area of inland or marine waters of the program Entrepreneurship development and innovation in the amount of EUR 419,593.26.
We have created a laboratory for environmental genetic research. We have taken advantage of opportunities arising from the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) research. Created analytical capabilities have allowed us to use state-of-the-art molecular analytical techniques (DNA barcoding and DNA metabarcoding) to quickly and reliably identify the state of the environment. We focus on aquatic environments and their immediate surroundings including water-related wetlands and marshes.
The created laboratory is able to quickly and independently collect samples from inland water environments throughout Poland. The laboratory enables very quick determination of the presence of specific species in the aquatic environment. Negative findings (information about the absence of the species) are also indisputable when confronted with traditional methods, in particular with regard to species that are difficult to detect (lack of observation of a species does not mean its absence).
The application potential of the development of molecular phylogenetic sciences is used to provide services related to the management of populations of protected species and preparatory services for the implementation of investments interfering with aquatic environments in a way that excludes their impact on valuable natural resources.
The advantage of the services offered consists in the ability to present findings of the condition of the environment quickly and qualitatively indisputable – credible and unambiguous.
Species inventoried using eDNA
Progress in knowledge about environmental DNA
Progress in the implementation of the Project
Conference summarizing the implementation of the program "Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021," November 2024
As speakers, we are taking part in the conference "Entrepreneurship Development and Innovations under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021" on November 21, 2024. The conference is organized by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. The LNRA team will present during the panel discussion "Sustainable Use of Water Resources" and will share the history of the establishment of the eDNA Laboratory thanks to grants from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
Conference: "Possibilities and Prospects for the Use of Environmental DNA in Nature Conservation – Opening of the eDNA Laboratory of LNRA," April 2024
Together with the Department of Ecology and Biogeography of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, we are organizing and conducting a conference entitled "Possibilities and prospects of the use of environmental DNA in nature conservation - opening of the eDNA Laboratory of the Nature Research and Analysis Workshop", April 11, 2024. The aim of the event is to present the progress made in recent years in methods using environmental DNA for the purposes of environmental and nature research, as well as environmental monitoring.
The Laboratory is operational!
The construction of the eDNA laboratory at LNRA has been completed. Since then, we have been working dynamically to provide the best services in the field of environmental DNA analysis, as well as to continue developing and expanding our knowledge in this field. We have specialized equipment that allows the use of innovative molecular biology techniques. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our offer!
Conference - from microscopy to DNA barcoding
As speakers, we are taking part in the XXVII National Benthological Workshops, "100 Years of Research of the Grabia River – from Microscopy to DNA Barcoding," in Załęcze Wielkie, October 18-21, 2023. The conference is organized by the Benthological Section of the Polish Hydrobiological Society, the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology of the University of Łódź, and the Polish Barcode of Life (PolBOL) initiative. Our project fits into the theme of this meeting of water researchers from all over Poland. The LNRA team will present the objectives of the project and the plan to implement eDNA-based methods in Poland.
Scientific collaboration with Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
We are entering into a cooperation agreement with Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń—one of the leading universities in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Consulting and scientific support will enable the development and implementation of effective work schemes based on the most up-to-date scientific achievements in our Laboratory. This cooperation will ensure a high level of professionalism in the future operation of the LNRA eDNA Laboratory. The Department of Ecology and Biogeography, which hosts the Laboratory of Molecular Ecology, will participate in the collaboration.
A light special vehicle for the Laboratory’s field work
The eDNA Laboratory of LNRA will soon be equipped with a 4x4 pickup truck adapted for field exploration, as well as for the collection and transport of samples for environmental genetic research. The contract was signed in August, and the vehicle is expected to be delivered within two months. The vehicle will include, among other features, a device for collecting water samples and a refrigerator allowing safe transport of environmental DNA collected from rivers or lakes anywhere in Poland to the Laboratory.
Construction is progressing
After completing the arduous foundation works, the walls of the first floor of the Environmental DNA Research Laboratory began to rise. The works are being carried out according to the adopted schedule. We are pursuing the ambitious goal of having the Laboratory's headquarters fully completed by the end of 2023.
Construction of the Laboratory has started
In the second half of May 2023, construction of the building of the Environmental DNA Laboratory began. The laboratory is being built in Czarnowo, between Bydgoszcz and Toruń. The building will be strictly adapted to the implementation of genetic research and analysis using the latest molecular biology techniques.
We have obtained a building permit
We have completed the process of design and obtaining all necessary consents and permits for the implementation of the Laboratory of Environmental Genetic Research in the location we have chosen. At the end of February, a decision was issued approving the construction design and granting a building permit for the Laboratory.
RIMB LLC.
Ornithological and chiropterological inventory of a residential building in Bydgoszcz, in terms of the occurrence of habitats of protected bird and bat species, along with the preparation of a petition for consent to destroy the identified habitats, in relation to the planned construction works
Examples of future projects
Tatra National Park
Carrying out an inventory to verify the actual colonization of the park's aquatic habitats by the most valuable amphibian species
Central Transport Hub
Inventory verifying the actual colonization of aquatic environments by protected species of aquatic invertebrates, fish, and amphibians in the area of potential impact of the investment
Regional Directors for Environmental Protection in Białystok
Carrying out an inventory of the actual settlement/colonization and assessing the population status of the great crested newt in Natura 2000 areas where this species is protected
Regional Directors for Environmental Protection in Gdańsk
Carrying out an inventory of the current and actual colonization of water reservoirs by the marsh minnow located in Natura 2000 areas within the Pomeranian Voivodeship
General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways
Inventory of protected species in water reservoirs of the planned expressway route
Projektowany SMR
Verification of the occurrence of protected species in the area of the planned realization of a small nuclear reactor
RIMB LLC.
Ornithological and chiropterological inventory of a residential building in Bydgoszcz, in terms of the occurrence of habitats of protected bird and bat species, along with the preparation of a petition for consent to destroy the identified habitats, in relation to the planned construction works
Selected services
Real-time PCR
Metabarcoding eDNA
