3. Re-analysis of the time-series changes in eDNA particle size
distribution
The ANOVA test showed that all factors significantly affected the eDNA
decay rate constants (all P < 0.001, Table 3). Decay
rate constants tended to be lower in smaller size fractions and at lower
temperature levels, and were higher for nuclear than for mitochondrial
genes (Figure 4). In addition, the interaction between filter pore size
and temperature was a significant factor affecting the decay rate
constant (P < 0.01), and interaction between target
gene and temperature was marginally significant (P = 0.0902).
Decay rates of eDNA were smaller for smaller size fractions, and there
was a greater tendency to decay at higher temperature levels than at
lower levels.