DNA extraction

Chapter 5 “DNA extraction” focuses on the particularities and practical constraints associated with the isolation of eDNA from environmental samples. The extraction protocol is indeed crucial in eDNA studies, as it will determine whether extracellular, intracellular, or total DNA is targeted. Chapter 5 describes the main advantages and limitations of the most popular extraction kits aimed at obtaining DNA from soil, sediment, litter, feces, or water. It provides a detailed protocol for DNA extraction from soil samples using a saturated phosphate buffer. This protocol has been optimized for an easy implementation in the field using a mobile laboratory, so the material and consumables necessary are also listed.