In 2020, the Bio Bureau began a research program to identify species using Environmental DNA, funded by Tijoá Energia through ANEEL’s research and development program.
We divided the development into stages according to the Technology Readiness Scale – TRL. This division facilitates the understanding and communication of a project with a high degree of complexity.
| Technology Readiness Level | Technological goals |
| TRL #1 Basic Principles | - Scientific papers supporting environmental DNA technology and metabarcoding as tools for routine environmental monitoring.
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| TRL #2 Conceptual model | |
| TRL #3 Proof of concept | - Validation in micro and mesocosms of the premises for sampling and analyzing biodiversity, with an emphasis on ichthyofauna, in hydroelectric reservoirs, using environmental DNA
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| TRL #4 Lab-scale prototype | - Validation in macrocosms of the premises for sampling and analyzing biodiversity, with an emphasis on ichthyofauna, in hydroelectric reservoirs, using environmental DNA
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| TRL #5 Field-scale prototype | - Initial characterization (baseline) of biodiversity estimated by environmental DNA in a hydroelectric reservoir. Establishment of a standard operating procedure for baseline estimation and biodiversity monitoring in hydroelectric reservoirs.
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| TRL # 6 Scaling up | - Adaptation of the protocol for application in different reservoirs, with validation in at least 3 reservoirs
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| TRL #7 Pilot test | |
| TRL #8 Regulatory stage | |
| TRL #9 Go to the market | - National real-time monitoring program with 70% adherence of hydroelectric reservoirs
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