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.