Freshwater mollusc community screening - Sweden

Freshwater habitats have always been important for human beings. Today, water quality assessment relies on biological, chemical and hydromorphological indicators. Bivalves are known as biodindicators, but the poorly known, but widespread pea clams (Sphaeriidae), suffer from a lack of taxnomic expertise. This study tested eDNA metabarcoding for detecting pea clams and other benthic macroinvertebrates in sediment and plankton samples from 15 Swedish freshwater habitats (lakes and rivers). DNA metabarcoding revealed 492 benthic macroinvertebrate indicator species, 20 mollusc species, and 3 invasive species, suggesting its potential to enhance freshwater monitoring through entire habitat screening and to support decision-makers in future.