Cyprus is among a small number of countries currently using DNA-based approaches in monitoring under the Water Framework Directive, according to a report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
According to the report, Cyprus stated that it currently uses DNA-based approaches for phytoplankton monitoring in rivers and coastal waters. The report noted that only two countries, representing 8% of the participants, apply such methods in official routine monitoring under the Water Framework Directive, while the vast majority 24 countries, or 92% do not yet use them.
The report, entitled 'Exploring DNA-Based Approaches for Monitoring and Classification under the Water Framework Directive,' presents the findings of a European survey.
The report also includes a case study on the development of a phytoplankton index and a hybrid environmental DNA (eDNA) index for Cyprus’s hypersaline lakes. According to the report, a phytoplankton-based index is being developed for five temporary hypersaline lakes: Akrotiri, Larnaca Airport Lake, Larnaca Main Lake, Orfani and Soros.
(Source: CNA)
