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PolyWAG (Water Acquired Genomics) System: A Field Programmable and Customizable Auto-sampler for eDNA
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  • Bao Nguyen,
  • Kawin Pechetratanapanit,
  • Chet Udell,
  • Cara Walter,
  • John Selker,
  • Taal Levi
Bao Nguyen
Oregon State University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Kawin Pechetratanapanit
Oregon State University
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Chet Udell
Oregon State University
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Cara Walter
Oregon State University
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John Selker
Oregon State University
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Taal Levi
Oregon State University
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Abstract

Organisms leave traces of DNA as they move through their environments. The extraction of these DNA traces is known as environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA provides scientists and researchers a non-invasive, rapid, cost-effective and sensitive way to detect and quantify species. Traditional eDNA sampling consists of manually filtering water, which is labor and cost-intensive for remote locations. Furthermore, commercialized solutions are expensive and require a field operator. This eDNA sampler project aims to provide an affordable, open-sourced, remotely deployable, fully automated, and customizable alternative. The PolyWAG (Water Acquired Genomics) system can run up to 24 inline filter units with support for different conditions including pressure, time and volume limit. The pumps deliver maximum 400mL/min with solenoid valves separating each inline filter to minimize cross-contamination. At the end of each sample, the desired stabilizing solution can be injected to fully submerge the filter for preservation. An optional river depth sensor can provide a proxy for flow to correct eDNA concentrations to allow for improved quantification of organisms. Data acquired during operation including water depth, pressure, temperature, and flow rate will be stored on microSD card in CSV format, which allows easier data export and analysis. A web application provides an intuitive UI for in-field programming, real-time sensor updates, scheduling tasks, and manual operations. We present data from multiple tests showing the length of the preservation period and the contamination level between samples. The PolyWAG system is estimated to be $3000 each, with add-on river depth sensor and 10ah 12V battery.