eDNA-Based aquatic biodiversity monitoring in East and Southeast Asia: Current practices and priorities

บทคัดย่อ

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has revolutionized aquatic biodiversity monitoring by
enabling sensitive, non-invasive detection of species from environmental samples.
This review completed a comprehensive synthesis of eDNA research across East and
Southeast Asia—a region with exceptional biodiversity and environmental challenges.
Based on the evaluation of 890 peer-reviewed publications from 2008 to 2024, there have
been rapid growth and methodological evolution in the field, dominated by research from
China and Japan, with emerging contributions from Thailand and other Southeast Asian
countries. The review highlights key advancements in eDNA methodologies, including
species-specific assays, metabarcoding and the increasing adoption of digital polymerase
chain reaction (dPCR). The performance of different sampling, preservation and
detection strategies was discussed, along with the comparative advantages of eDNA over
traditional monitoring approaches in terms of sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and reduced
ecological disturbance. Critical challenges remain, including incomplete reference
databases, quantification uncertainties and bioinformatic standardization. Future research
priorities should enhance eDNA applications in tropical ecosystems, improve detection
accuracy and promote integration into conservation policy and biodiversity management.
This review has established a regional framework for advancing eDNA research and
supporting sustainable aquatic biodiversity conservation in Asia.