Exploring Biodiversity in Macao's Urban Wetland Ecosystems through e-DNA Analysis

Introduction: Macao, a densely populated region in China's southern coast, has experienced rapid urbanization, leading to significant fragmentation of wetland ecosystems. This transformation threatens local biodiversity and ecosystem services. Despite their diminished size, urban wetlands provide ecological benefits in the city. However, traditional biodiversity assessment methods are often impractical in these urban settings due to limitations. This study employs environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to explore biodiversity in Macao's urban wetlands, aiming to provide comprehensive insights for conservation strategies in developed urban areas.

Methods: Water samples were collected from urban wetlands in Macao, sampling was conducted across multiple sites to account for the diversity of microhabitats and ensure comprehensive coverage. eDNA was extracted from the water samples and analyzed using metabarcoding techniques. Multiple genetic markers were to identify various aquatic and terrestrial species. Bioinformatics pipelines were employed to process the sequencing data and match DNA sequences to taxonomic databases. Biodiversity indices were calculated to assess the complexity and structure of the biological communities in these urban wetlands.

Results: While specific results are pending, we hypothesize that eDNA analysis will reveal diverse species, including some previously unrecorded in traditional surveys. We expect to find native and non-native species, reflecting the complex dynamics of urban ecosystems. In addition, it integrates eDNA analysis with water quality assessments, focusing on key nutrient indicators. By abundance with water nutrient levels, this multi-faceted approach allows us to explore potential relationships between nutrient concentrations and biodiversity patterns.

Conclusions: This research demonstrates the potential of eDNA as a powerful tool for biodiversity assessment in urban wetlands. The findings will contribute to understanding biodiversity patterns in highly urbanized environments and targeted conservation efforts. By providing a comprehensive snapshot of Macao's wetland biodiversity, this study supports sustainable urban planning and water resource management in the face of ongoing development pressures.