Using Artificial DNA as tracer in a bedrock river of the Middle Bussento Karst System (Cilento, Vallo Diano and Alburni EuropeanGlobal Geopark, southern Italy)

摘要

The paper deals with strengths and shortcomings of the use of artificial DNA as tracer in environments as such the fast flowing water in bedrock and step-and-pool streams. The use of synthetic DNA as tracer has been tested in rivers and brooks, and in carbonate rocks, but no attempt has been made, so far, to use this technique in torrents and ground water. One of the main strength is the low environmental impact which makes its use very appealing in protected areas. Taking into account these considerations an artificial DNA test was carried out in a fast flowing reach of the Middle Bussento Karst System. The artificial DNA technique was performed together with a traditional salt injection test. Results obtained from the experiment confirm the overall effectiveness of the use of artificial DNA in fast flowing environment, particularly excellent is the DNA mass conservation compared to the salt test. The main shortcoming of the artificial DNA test resides in the elaborate sampling procedure which requires the approximate knowledge of the transit time of the water into the system.