metabarcoding bulk invertebrate samples
We devised and tested a standardised method for processing unsorted kick and sweep samples using DNA metabarcoding to provide accurate estimates of macroinvertebrate species biodiversity. Unsorted kick and sweep samples were combined from ten sites around Melbourne known to vary in macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity as well as the type of sampling debris. A sieving, blending and DNA extraction protocol was developed to reduce large debris and sand in samples, and to concentrate macroinvertebrates for metabarcoding. Variable percentages of the dry weight of samples from each site were used to source DNA for metabarcoding.