SGS has introduced a new environmental DNA (eDNA) service in the United Kingdom aimed at improving how biodiversity is measured and understood. The laboratory-based approach allows organisations to identify species present in a habitat using genetic material collected from environmental samples. The service is designed to support ecologists, conservation groups and businesses assessing the environmental impact of their activities.

Interest in biodiversity monitoring has grown as regulators and the public expect organisations to demonstrate how projects affect local ecosystems. Reliable information on species presence is often required for planning approvals, habitat management and environmental reporting.

The SGS eDNA service provides a method of gathering that information using trace genetic material found in soil, water or air samples. By analysing this material in the laboratory, specialists can identify species living in or passing through a particular habitat.

A New Approach to Biodiversity Monitoring

Environmental DNA analysis is becoming an increasingly important tool in ecological monitoring. Instead of relying solely on visual surveys and field observations, scientists can identify species through genetic traces that organisms leave in the environment.

These traces are released naturally as animals, plants and microorganisms move through their habitats. Materials such as skin cells, scales, mucus, blood, urine and faeces contain DNA that accumulates in the surrounding environment.

Even microscopic organisms such as bacteria contribute genetic material to soil, water and air. When these samples are collected and tested, they provide a snapshot of the species present within a specific location.

This laboratory-based approach reduces the need for extensive fieldwork and direct observation. It can also detect species that are difficult to observe in traditional ecological surveys, including nocturnal or elusive wildlife.

How eDNA Analysis Works

Environmental DNA testing begins with the collection of samples from the environment. These may include water from rivers or ponds, soil from terrestrial habitats or air samples from enclosed spaces.

Once collected, the samples are analysed in the laboratory using genetic sequencing techniques. Scientists compare the DNA fragments in the sample with reference databases to determine which species are present.

Traditional biodiversity surveys often depend on repeated site visits and visual identification by specialists. While these methods remain valuable, they can be time intensive and may miss species that are rarely seen.

eDNA testing provides a complementary approach that can identify multiple species from a single sample. This allows researchers and environmental professionals to gather biodiversity data more quickly while reducing disturbance to wildlife.

Data for Environmental Decision Making

The introduction of the SGS service reflects increasing expectations around environmental accountability. Developers, land managers and infrastructure operators are often required to assess biodiversity before projects can proceed.

Steve Allen, Business Development Manager at SGS UK Limited, said: “Growing public concern for ecosystem protection, alongside increasing regulatory and planning requirements, means organisations must clearly demonstrate their impact on biodiversity wherever they operate.”

Using eDNA analysis, laboratory specialists can analyse a single environmental sample and detect thousands of species at once. The data provides a detailed species profile for the surveyed area.

This type of information can help organisations understand the ecological conditions of a site before development begins. It also supports environmental impact assessments, habitat restoration programmes and biodiversity net gain planning.

Because samples can be collected repeatedly using consistent methods, the data can form a long term monitoring baseline. This allows organisations to track changes in biodiversity over time and assess whether environmental management actions are working.

Range of eDNA Service Packages

SGS has introduced several service packages designed for different monitoring requirements and sectors.

The QuickScan package focuses on the detection of a single species. This option is often used to confirm the presence of protected species before construction or land development begins.

BioScan offers a wider survey of multiple animal species within a habitat. It can be used for ecological baseline studies or environmental impact assessments where a broader picture of wildlife diversity is needed.

FullScan provides a wider biodiversity overview by analysing both plant and animal DNA within the sampled environment. This type of survey can help inform conservation planning or large development projects where a full ecological assessment is required.

Additional options target specific monitoring priorities. InsectScan focuses on insect biodiversity, while CropScan supports agricultural monitoring by identifying pollination species and other organisms that influence crop production.

The Invasive Species Scan package identifies non native species that may threaten local ecosystems. Early detection can help land managers and environmental agencies respond before invasive populations become established.

Supporting Environmental Management

SGS provides testing, inspection and certification services across a wide range of industries. The company works with organisations to design sampling strategies that address specific environmental questions.

By advising clients on how and where to collect samples, SGS aims to ensure that monitoring programmes generate reliable results. These programmes can also be integrated into wider environmental management or compliance frameworks.

Advanced extraction methods and laboratory techniques allow the detection of genetic material even when only small traces are present in a sample. This sensitivity allows scientists to identify species that might otherwise remain undetected.

The eDNA service forms part of the company’s IMPACT NOW initiative for sustainability. This programme focuses on four areas: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity.

Within the nature pillar, SGS provides services that support biodiversity protection and environmental risk management. These include monitoring programmes related to emerging contaminants such as PFAS chemicals and microplastics, alongside biodiversity assessment tools.

By applying genetic analysis to environmental monitoring, the new eDNA service offers organisations a way to gather detailed biodiversity information using laboratory testing. The approach is expected to support conservation work, environmental planning and long term ecosystem monitoring across the United Kingdom.

For more information or to book a free eDNA discovery call, visit: try.sgs.com/en-gb/edna-services/.