Research interests:
Development of DNA-based biomonitoring approaches for ecological monitoring and Water Framework Directive implementation, with a focus on microorganism-based metabarcoding, eDNA techniques and the assessment of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
Dissertation abstract
The project aims to develop reliable and cost-effective DNA- and microbial-based bioassessment methods to improve the monitoring of Lithuania’s freshwater ecosystems. Current approaches under the EU Water Framework Directive often struggle to capture the full extent of environmental change, contributing to the poor ecological status of many European rivers. This research will compare DNA-based identification of benthic invertebrates with traditional morphology-based assessments, explore the use of a microorganism-based (bacteria and microbial eukaryotes) metabarcoding-eDNA index for ecological monitoring and look at the role of microplastic pollution as an emerging stressor in Lithuanian rivers. By comparing modern molecular tools with conventional methods, this work aims to strengthen the accuracy, efficiency and scalability of freshwater bioassessment thereby supporting efforts to improve water quality and ecosystem health across Lithuania and the wider EU.