Exploring riverine aquatic animal diversity and establishing aquatic ecological monitoring approaches tailored to the Qinling region via eDNA technology

This study thoroughly examines biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems across 14 sampled sites within the Shitou River basin by utilizing environmental DNA technology. Through integrated analysis and high-throughput sequencing, the study elucidates a diverse array of biodiversity, encompassing 27 fish species and 341 freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates (FBM) species. Using various biodiversity indices, we found significant differences in diversity and stability across different environments. Regions with more complex habitats had higher species richness and evenness. Further analyses showed complex relationships between diversity metrics for FBM and fish, indicating potential interactions between these groups. The standardized mean score (SMS) was developed to aid in the assessment of water quality. Specifically, SMS scoring revealed that sites STH3, STH4, and STH14 excelled across multiple dimensions, earning an "Excellent" rating, while site STH12 was rated as "Poor" due to subpar performance across several metrics. This project not only enhances current understanding regarding aquatic ecological dynamics but also establishes a strong foundation for detailed environmental evaluation and monitoring, aligned with the priorities of contemporary ecological management and caution.