e-DNA project:

The first experimentation of 2024 on the Alpine Eco-hydraulics system of Ostana began on 28 February, involving researchers from the Alpstream group in collaboration with the zoology group of the University of Pisa.

In this experiment, three different environmental-DNA sampling techniques were tested using three different matrices (water, soil and activated carbon) in order to evaluate which of these methodologies is best for assessing the biodiversity of macrobenthic fauna, also taking into consideration the spatial resolution. In addition to sampling macrobenthic fauna, the Alpstream group will analyze the component of primary producers, and in particular the diatomic flora.

For the analysis of the macrobenthic fauna, the researchers constructed 60 artificial sampling units filled with lithic material located inside the artificial channels for colonization. For the growth of benthic diatoms, artificial substrates measuring 10X10 cm were positioned.

The experiment lasted 2 months with weekly samplings.