Laboratory of eDNA
eDNA - environmental DNA
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
- Rapid determination of the presence of protected species using the capabilities of a mobile laboratory
- eDNA Barcoding (m.in.: Unio crassus, Ophiogomphus Cecilia, Leucorrhinia pectoralis, Cobitis taenia, Sabanejewia baltica, Lam-petra planeri, Lampetra fluviatilis, Misgurnus fossilis, Rhodeus amarus, Bombina variegate, Bombina bombina, Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Emys orbicularis, Lutra lutra)
- eDNA Metabarcoding (aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians)
- Large-scale environmental inventories establishing actual colonisation of water reservoirs by protected fauna species
- Inventory studies establishing the occurrence of protected species regardless of the season
- Monitoring the population status of selected species using environmental DNA (eDNA)
Do you need environmental DNA analysis?
We are currently developing implementation capabilities in this area and applying them in Poland.
Our team has been carrying out the project: “Establishment of a Laboratory for Genetic Research and Offering Services for Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystem Assessment 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 Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation program, with funding of EUR 419,593.26.
We have established a laboratory for environmental genetic research, taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) research. 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 focus is on aquatic environments and their immediate surroundings, including water-related wetlands and marshes.
The practical potential of advances in molecular phylogenetics is being harnessed to provide services relating to the management of protected species populations, as well as preparatory services for projects that impact aquatic environments, ensuring that such projects do not adversely affect valuable natural resources.
The laboratory can independently and efficiently collect samples from inland water environments across Poland. It enables rapid determination of the presence of specific species in aquatic ecosystems. Negative findings—information about the absence of a species—are also indisputable compared to traditional methods, especially for species that are difficult to detect (absence of observation does not equal absence of the species).
The development of molecular phylogenetic sciences is applied to provide services related to the management of protected species populations and preparatory work for investments affecting aquatic environments, minimizing impacts on valuable natural resources. The advantage of our services lies in the ability to present the environmental condition results quickly, reliably, and with unquestionable credibility.
Environmental DNA Laboratory
Our team has been carrying out the project: “Establishment of a Laboratory for Genetic Research and Offering Services for Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystem Assessment 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 Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation program, with funding 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. Our team will present during the panel discussion "Sustainable Use of Water Resources" and will present the history of the establishment of the eDNA Laboratory thanks to funding from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
Conference "Possibilities and prospects for the use of environmental DNA in nature conservation - opening of the eDNA laboratory" - April 2025
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 for 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 natural research and environmental monitoring.
The Laboratory is finished!
The construction of the eDNA Laboratory of LNRA has been completed. Since then, we have been actively providing top-quality services in environmental DNA analysis, while continuously developing and expanding our expertise in this field. We are equipped with specialized instruments that enable the application of innovative molecular biology techniques. We invite you to explore our offerings!
Conference - from microscopy to DNA barcoding
As speakers, we are taking part in the conference: XXVII National Benthological Workshops "100 years of research of the river Grabia - from microscopy to DNA barcoding" 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 Lodz and the Polish Barcode of Life (PolBOL) initiative. Our Project fits into the theme of this meeting of water researchers from all over Poland. Our 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 and based on the most up-to-date scientific achievements schemes of works in our Laboratory. The cooperation will ensure a high level of professionalism in the future functioning of the eDNA Laboratory of LNRA. The Department of Ecology and Biogeography, within which the Laboratory of Molecular Ecology operates, will be involved in the cooperation.
A light special vehicle for the needs of the Laboratory's field works
The eDNA Laboratory of LNRA will soon be equipped with a 4×4 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 scheduled for delivery within two months. The vehicle will be fitted, among other things, with a water-sampling device and a refrigerator enabling the safe transport of environmental DNA collected from rivers or lakes anywhere in Poland to the Laboratory
Construction is progressing
After completing arduous foundation works, the walls of the first floor of the Environmental DNA Research Laboratory project began to grow upwards. The works are being carried out in accordance with the adopted schedule. We are pursuing an ambitious goal to have the Laboratory's headquarters built and 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 occupation of the park's aquatic habitats by the most valuable amphibian species
Central Transport Hub
Inventory verifying the actual occupation of aquatic habitats within the potential impact area of a project by protected species of aquatic invertebrates, fish, and amphibians
Regional Directors for Environmental Protection in Białystok
Carrying out an inventory of the actual occupation and assessing the population status of the great crested newt in Natura 2000 areas in which this species is subject to protection
Regional Directors for Environmental Protection in Gdańsk
Carrying out an inventory of the current and actual occupation 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 the occurrence of protected species in water bodies along the planned route of the expressway
SMR design
Verification of the occurrence of protected species in the area of the planned construction 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
Environmental expertise
Impact on the environment
