eDNA

Environmental DNA and Génome Québec

With environmental DNA (eDNA), we gain a better understanding of the living world around us and the tools to help preserve it.

What is eDNA?

eDNA detection is a cutting-edge technology that is transforming the way we analyze and protect ecosystems.

Ongoing monitoring of water, air, and soil quality makes it possible to quickly detect environmental risks, the presence of rare species, the spread of invasive species, and early signs of pollution or ecological imbalance. This contributes to public health prevention, biodiversity protection, and better management of natural resources.

eDNA functions like a genetic fingerprint left behind by living organisms in their environment.

  • To detect it, all that’s needed is a sample of water, soil, or air from a natural setting (river, lake, forest, etc.). These samples contain traces of DNA shed by organisms—such as skin cells, mucus, feces, or pollen.
  • In the lab, the DNA is isolated and amplified (multiplied) using techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This produces enough genetic material to be sequenced. It’s also at this stage that researchers can target a specific group of organisms to study.
  • The DNA is then compared to existing genetic databases. This makes it possible to identify which animals, plants, bacteria, or fungi have been present in the environment—often without ever seeing them. Researchers analyze the results to determine if a species is present, if contamination is occurring, or if an ecosystem is healthy.

Compared to traditional methods, which require lengthy and costly sampling and often cause significant stress to the studied species—eDNA analysis allows faster, more affordable, and more accurate results. eDNA paves the way for new solutions in environmental, biotechnology, and genomic industries.

eDNA enables the early detection and precise monitoring of changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health without disturbing nature.

eDNA analysis is around 30-60% less expensive than traditional biological survey methods (such as electrofishing or netting). It can also detect 2 to 10 times more species, particularly rare or discreet species.

Génome Québec and its investments in eDNA in 2025
eDNA in Québec: An Opportunity to Seize

Québec is now at a strategic crossroads where scientific innovation meets environmental and economic imperatives.

eDNA initiatives open a window of opportunity to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and boost competitiveness in key sectors such as biotechnology and agri-food. By investing in this technology, Québec positions itself as a leader in the collection and use of environmental data. This strengthens the province’s credibility in sustainable development and can attract funding and international collaborations.

Génome Québec invites decision-makers and partners to embrace these innovative technologies and help shape a sustainable future that combines scientific progress with economic development.

eDNA Initiatives – Génome Québec:

This citizen science project invites Québec students to collect water samples for eDNA analysis. The goal is to create a precise picture of the biodiversity in Québec’s waterways and raise youth awareness of aquatic ecosystem conservation.

Génome Québec is proud to have received financial support from the Cree Nation Government and the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit for the rollout of the activity in five Indigenous communit

Valérie Langlois and her team are advancing environmental research with iTrackDNA, a groundbreaking project that uses precision genomic technologies to monitor the impact of climate change on biodiversity.

In Canada, sustainable natural resource management is a top priority, but current monitoring tools struggle to provide reliable and consistent data. To date, eDNA is underutilized in decision-making due to significant variability in data quality.

iTrackDNA is changing the game by developing accessible, standardized, rigorous, and socially responsible analytical tools. The goal? To reduce scientific uncertainty in environmental monitoring by detecting early warning signs in our ecosystems.

Learn more: iTrackDNA