Why eDNA is changing field biology
Environmental DNA (eDNA) has transformed how scientists detect and monitor species. Instead of relying on nets, traps, or visual surveys, researchers now collect tiny traces of genetic material that organisms leave behind in water. A few liters from a river, lake, or fjord can reveal whether fish, mammals, or invasive species are present — even when they are rare, hidden, or only pass through occasionally.
eDNA makes biodiversity surveys faster, less invasive, and far more sensitive. It allows researchers to find elusive species, guide conservation efforts, and react early when invasive species appear. But to work reliably, eDNA sampling equipment must be rugged, portable, and easy to use in real field conditions. The new F&Z Solutions pump was designed to make these tasks faster and more reliable, giving researchers a practical tool they can trust in the field.
eDNA samplers sent to partners in the PINKtrack project for pilot testing. A total of 11 units were delivered to 5 countries. Photo: Artur Zolich.
"Gamechanger" in the field
Partners in the PINKtrack project have tested 11 pumps in 5 different countries, from coastal fjords to fast-flowing rivers. The pumps have been used in boats, on riverbanks, and on rocky terrain — performing consistently across conditions.
Key features of the pump were developed with input from NINA's researchers, who meet the challenges of field work in their everyday jobs. The pumps performed reliably throughout a full day of fieldwork, running continuously on standard Makita batteries without recharging.
Both suction and pressure filters worked well, and users appreciated the simple controls, adjustable speeds, and quiet operation. The dual pump heads were especially valued for taking replicates and leaving the system running while sampling at different locations. In a single day, teams filtered around 85 liters of water across four rivers, completing 18 eDNA samples without recharging the included batteries. In some cases, researchers filtered water directly on the boat while moving between sites.
Overall the pumps were described as “a game changer in the field” and better than any similar equipment the users had tried before.
Researchers highlighted several features that improve field efficiency:
- Dual pump heads for replicates
- Programmable speeds for controlled sampling
- Runs all day on two standard batteries
Tom Staveley and Ida Ahlbeck Bergendahl from Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU) using F & Z Solutions eDNA pump on fieldwork in Mörrumsån, southern Sweden. Photo: Eva Thorstad
Sampling surface water using F & Z Solutions eDNA pump at a river in Greenland. Photo: Rasmus Nygaard
EU-funded pilot project – and support from Testination
The new eDNA pump was developed in close collaboration between researchers at NINA and the team at F&Z Solutions. The pump is now part of a pilot series being deployed in the EU-funded research project PINKTrack, which aims to track the spread of invasive pink salmon in European waterways. Units have now been delivered to research partners in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, and Greenland.
The production of this pilot series is co-funded by Testination, a shared platform that brings together test infrastructure in the Trøndelag region. Testination helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop and validate new technology by providing access to facilities and expertise that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Testination is part of the Norwegian Katapult program, run through the DigiCat centre. It plays a key role in strengthening the maritime autonomy ecosystem in Norway. Key partners include NTNU, SINTEF, Maritime Robotics, OceanTech Innovation, Torghatten, and Boreal.
“Our collaboration with F&Z Solutions has been extremely fruitful. They took the challenge head-on and developed a product we are very happy with,” says Frode Fossøy, senior researcher from NINA.
Want to learn more?
F&Z Solutions currently has the capacity to include 1–2 more projects in the pilot and welcomes inquiries from researchers with relevant field sampling campaigns.