Accumulation of airborne, eukaryotic environmental DNA contamination: Raw sequencing data and demultiplexing info

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is increasingly being implemented as a non-invasive and efficient approach for biodiversity research and monitoring across ecosystems. However, accurate detection of species with eDNA requires robust experimental designs, as eDNA analysis carries a risk of contamination at every step of the fieldwork and laboratory process. Several studies focus on rigorous laboratory procedures and processing of sequencing data, but surprisingly little research investigates the process of background input of DNA in the field. For example, airborne DNA from localities outside the study area could potentially contaminate eDNA samples. Here, we use an experimental setup and eDNA metabarcoding to study the diversity and accumulation of airborne eukaryotic eDNA on exposed surfaces in the field. At two different natural locations, a coastal marine site, and a terrestrial grassland site, we placed open containers each filled with 0.5 litres of water, which was then sampl...