Building an Ecological Approach for Monitoring Groundwaters

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability and environmental health. The anticipated extinction of over one million species in the coming decades poses a grave threat to ecosystem functions and services, particularly in freshwater systems, which are among the most neglected in conservation efforts. Groundwater ecosystems, in particular, are critically overlooked, with less than 10% of known habitats globally protected. These ecosystems, which are highly biodiverse and rich in endemic species, provide the majority of the world's drinking water. However, their close connection to surface ecosystems makes them especially vulnerable to surface threats such as urbanization, which can raise groundwater temperatures by 3-4ºC. This urban heat island effect endangers groundwater species and the vital functions they support. Despite their importance, research on groundwater biodiversity remains limited due to the inaccessibility of these environments and the challenges posed by traditional sampling methods. This proposal explores the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to monitor biodiversity in alluvial groundwater ecosystems and link eDNA profiles to species' functional traits. By developing and refining eDNA protocols and building a functional biodiversity library for groundwaters, the research seeks to establish a cost-effective, accurate method for monitoring biological processes in groundwater. Additionally, the study will apply these protocols to assess the impact of subsurface urban heat islands (SUHI) on groundwater communities and their functional diversity. In collaboration with experts from Slovenia, Austria, Denmark, and Guatemala, this project aims to enhance our understanding and management of groundwater ecosystems, ensuring their long-term sustainability.