How Environmental DNA Helps Monitor Climate Change

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems and shifting the region's microbial diversity. As a result, scientists are urgently searching for tools that allow them to monitor and understand these transformations.

One of the most valuable approaches in climate science and biodiversity monitoring is the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), a method that analyzes trace DNA found in water and other environmental samples to identify and quantify organisms without the need to physically observe or capture them.

Arctic Ocean Study: Tracing Microbial Shifts and Glacier Melt

A 2025 study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics investigated ice-nucleating particles (INPs) in two fjords in southwest Greenland. INPs are particles that initiate the freezing of water at temperatures higher than that of homogeneous freezing (−38°C). Biological materials such as bacteria, fungal spores, pollen, algae, and leaf litter are among the most active INPs.² Additionally, mineral dust and soot are common atmospheric INPs.³

These particles, which can influence cloud formation and precipitation, are found in water bodies from glacial melt, terrestrial runoff, and in connection with phytoplankton blooms. The research revealed that melting glaciers introduce INPs from land to sea, altering both the chemical and biological makeup of the marine environment. This has cascading effects on ecosystem health, atmospheric processes, and marine microbiomes.

Why DNA Extraction Kits Are Essential for eDNA Research

The Challenge: Extracting DNA from Marine Samples

Accurate results depend on clean, concentrated nucleic acids. Marine environments pose unique obstacles for molecular studies. Seawater contains high levels of salts and organic compounds that can interfere with downstream analyses such as qPCR, DNA sequencing, and microbial analysis.

The Solution: Norgen Biotek’s CleanAll RNA/DNA Clean-Up Kit

The environmental cells were collected on filters that were frozen in a high-salt solution. However, freeze-thaw of the filters caused lysis of some cells, releasing their nucleic acids into the solution. Therefore, DNA was extracted from this solution using Norgen Biotek’s CleanAll RNA/DNA Clean-up and Concentration Micro Kit. This kit ensured comprehensive DNA recovery, enabling sensitive qPCR targeting of bacterial 16S rRNA and eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes.

Key Insights from the Greenland eDNA Study

Seasonal Differences in INP Composition

• In June, INP concentration in the two fjords was up to 4 orders higher than values reported in previous studies.
• Seawater salinity was lower in June, and bacteria taxa related to freshwater and terrestrial systems were found, suggesting terrestrial runoff as the source of these highly active INPs
• Samples from later months had different properties than samples from June, indicating seasonal shifts in microbial sources and environmental influence.

Microbial Diversity and Climate Indicators

Despite lower microbial abundance in early summer samples, researchers found greater taxonomic diversity, including bacteria from terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, like:

• Aquaspirillum arcticum
• Rhodoferax
• Glaciimonas

These organisms serve as biological indicators of glacier melt, helping scientists connect microbial data to broader patterns in climate change.

The Broader Role of eDNA in Environmental Monitoring

By using environmental DNA as part of a climate research strategy, scientists can better assess:

• Pollution impacts on marine ecosystems
• Biodiversity changes in response to glacial runoff
• Ecosystem resilience in the face of rapid warming

This study shows how scientific research tools like the Norgen CleanAll Kit enable robust, accurate molecular data collection from even the most complex environments.

Applications of DNA Analysis Kits Beyond Arctic Research

DNA extraction kits like Norgen's are used in a wide range of environmental science and marine biology studies, including:

• Freshwater quality testing
• Monitoring invasive species
• Tracking microplastics in ocean systems
• Urban wastewater surveillance

This flexibility makes them essential tools for any lab working on biodiversity conservation or climate-related studies.

Conclusion: DNA Analysis Tools for a Changing Climate

As the Arctic continues to feel the impact of global warming, advanced tools allow researchers to gather high-quality data from remote and challenging environments. With the help of environmental DNA and effective DNA extraction methods, scientists can better understand how climate change and pollution affect microbial ecosystems and inform strategies to protect and preserve them for the future.

Read the full peer-reviewed publication in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is environmental DNA (eDNA)?

eDNA refers to genetic material collected from environmental samples like soil or water, used to study biodiversity without capturing organisms.

How do DNA extraction kits support eDNA studies?

They purify nucleic acids from environmental samples by removing contaminants like salts, enabling downstream applications like qPCR and sequencing.

Why is environmental DNA important in climate change research?

eDNA helps track ecosystem changes and species migrations driven by climate stressors, offering early indicators of environmental shifts.

Can these kits be used in freshwater and soil studies too?

Yes, sample-type optimized kits are widely used for a variety of sample types, including lakes, rivers, soil, and even wastewater.