Monitoring Contaminants of Emerging Concern and eDNA off the Coast of Ireland Using Autonomous Surface Vehicles: A Spatiotemporal Study

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and PFAS, have attracted increased attention due to their potential to affect the environment and human health. At the same time, environmental DNA (eDNA) can detect and monitor biological communities and can complement chemical monitoring to give a more comprehensive picture of ecosystem status. The simultaneous sampling of CECs and eDNA presents significant technical and logistical challenges and requires very sensitive techniques. Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) offer a flexible platform for monitoring coastal water systems, particularly when repeated or prolonged sampling is required. Their use is increasingly relevant for supporting emerging biological and chemical monitoring techniques. Despite its potential, few studies investigate seawater ecosystems using this combined approach. 

 

This work involves innovative monitoring of Irish coastal waters using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates expertise in engineering, chemistry, and biology. Research involving an ASV capable of reliable dynamic positioning during extended sampling operations will be shown alongside sensitive analytical techniques for investigating CECs and eDNA in seawater matrices. Results will show strategies to address a key challenge for ASV-based eDNA sampling of maintaining precise station for adequate periods while water is actively pumped through our filtration systems. Study observations include methods for sample handling to overcome the challenge of low target analyte concentration degradation, and contamination.