The logic for filtration is to concentrate microorganisms (and their DNA/RNA) from a large volume of water to a low volume for DNA/RNA extraction. You could potentially use another method of concentrating, e.g. flocculation, but it's likely to be much less effective for low abundance of microorganisms
Most commonly used methods to capture eDNA from aquatic environments. Filtration requires passage of water samples through a filter to trap the DNA whereas the precipitation method uses ethanol to precipitate nucleic acids in the water sample
Extracting DNA from water samples can be a bit more challenging than extracting DNA from other biological samples, such as tissues or blood, because the amount of DNA present in water is often very low. Here's a general overview of the steps involved in extracting DNA from a water sample:
Collect the water sample: Collect the water sample you wish to extract DNA from using a sterile container to avoid contamination.
Filter the water sample: Use a filter with a pore size of 0.2 microns to remove any larger particles or microorganisms in the water that could interfere with the DNA extraction process.
Concentrate the DNA: Depending on the concentration of DNA in the water sample, you may need to concentrate the DNA by filtering the sample through a special filter, such as a positively charged filter, which will help to capture and concentrate the DNA.
Lysis: Add a lysis buffer to the filtered sample to break open the cells and release the DNA into the solution.
Precipitate the DNA: Add a salt solution and alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropanol, to the lysed sample to precipitate the DNA out of solution.
Collect the DNA: After the DNA has been precipitated, you can collect it by centrifuging the sample to pellet the DNA or by using a pipette to collect the DNA from the top of the solution.
Purify the DNA: Once you have collected the DNA, you may need to purify it further to remove any contaminants, such as salts or other organic compounds.
Keep in mind that the specific protocol for extracting DNA from a water sample can vary depending on the type of water sample, the type of DNA you are trying to extract, and the downstream application for which the DNA will be used. It's important to follow a validated protocol and to be mindful of potential sources of contamination throughout the extraction process.