A Practical Guide to DNA-Based Methods for Biodiversity Assessment. 2021. 92 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.

This book represents a synthesis of knowledge and best practice in the field of DNA-based biomonitoring at the time of writing. It has been written with end-users of molecular tools in mind, as well as those who are new to the field in research settings and are looking to gain an overall grounding in the subject area. For each of the main types of sample (water, soil / sediment, bulk invertebrates and diatoms), and for each stage of the field and laboratory processes, we outline key considerations, decisions that need to be made, factors that might influence those decisions, and trade-offs inherent in the choices made. We hope that this will help users, practitioners, and those commissioning DNA-based monitoring programmes to navigate this large field and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different analysis workflows based on context, project aims and available resources.