Comparative patterns of temporal decay and detectability of eDNA and eRNA across molecular markers in connected and isolated freshwater mesocosms using digital PCR

Efficient use of environmental nucleic acids (eNAs) in freshwater biodiversity monitoring requires understanding their degradation and detectability in interconnected ecosystems. Environmental RNA (eRNA), which degrades faster than environmental DNA (eDNA), can enhance the temporal resolution of biological signals. This study employs a novel field-scale assay to investigate decay rates and detectability of eDNA and eRNA across four genetic markers (16S, 18S, COI, and LDHA) in 1000-liter connected and isolated mesocosms containing natural planktonic assemblages, assessing how connectivity influences detectability over time. This design bridges small-scale laboratory assays with more complex, ecologically relevant settings. Using digital PCR (dPCR), we captured fine-scale temporal patterns across mitochondrial and nuclear markers and transcript types (mRNA and rRNA), an approach rarely combined in previous research. Isolated and head mesocosms were spiked with eNAs from cultured Daphnia p...,
, # Data from: Comparative patterns of temporal decay and detectability of eDNA and eRNA across molecular markers in connected and isolated freshwater mesocosms using digital PCR

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.kprr4xhh4](10.5061/dryad.kprr4xhh4)

## Description of the data and file structure

This README_file.txt file was generated on 2025-07-22 by Wendy Morgado

GENERAL INFORMATION

1\. Title: Data supporting \"Comparative patterns of temporal decay and detectability of eDNA and eRNA across molecular markers in connected and isolated freshwater mesocosms using digital PCR\"

2\. Author Information

```
Name: Wendy B. Morgado-Gamero

Institution: Stewart Biology Building, McGill University

Address: 1205 Dr Penfield Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1

Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]

Name: Orianne Tournayre

Institution: Stewart Biology Building, McGill University

Address: 1205 Dr Penfield Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1

Email: [e-mail]

Nam...,