Curious about what's living in your lake, river, wetland, or marine ecosystem?

eDNA and eRNA can be used to detect and determine invasive, endangered, and microbiological aquatic species to support public and private sector efforts to manage biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem health.

Tell us about your project

We are experts in environmental genomics,
helping you understand presence and activity of species and population dynamics in your aquatic ecosystem

As a specialized environmental testing lab, EQO serves both public and private clients responsible for lakes, rivers, reservoirs, wetlands, estuaries and marine ecosystems that face mounting challenges from climate change, pollution, and environmental threats. Much like addressing human health, the journey to ensuring aquatic ecosystem vitality and diversity starts with genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics

EQO is biotech lab focused on organism detection and biological monitoring in aquatic ecosystems

Species Indentification

Utilizing techniques like metabarcoding and qPCR, our lab can detect and identify a vast array of aquatic species, from invasive to endangered. Our methods offer insights into both active species (through RNA analysis) and past presence (through DNA analysis), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of species diversity. Discover the organisms in your waters with unparalleled precision.

Population Dynamics

Using bioinformatics analysis our lab monitors the relative abundance and activities of different species present in aquatic ecosystems. Our laboratory tools provide insights into the health, stress levels, and overall vitality of these populations, offering a snapshot of biodiversity and general trends in your waters.

Source Differentiation

With our lab's advanced methods, including PhyloChip, we offer a broad-spectrum view of microbial presence. By differentiating microbiome fingerprints among all known prokaryotes, we provide a detailed landscape of bacterial and archaeal biodiversity in aquatic samples, ensuring you have the necessary data to make informed decisions around fecal source tracing, biosecurity threat assessment, and more.

Biodiversity Asessments

Harnessing the power of environmental genomics, we provide a near real-time perspective on the active processes within aquatic organisms to help determine the effectiveness of biodiversity and conservation efforts. This allows our clients to measure the success of restoration, biodiversity, and conservation banking programs.

Download EQO Case Studies

Yurok Salmon

Zebra Mussels

About EQO

Drawing from his expertise in cancer research, John Higley founded EQO because he recognized the critical demand for an environmental genomics lab dedicated solely to organism detection and biological monitoring. Dive deeper into Founder & CEO John Higley's vision and how we are applying cancer detection technology for public health & safety, environmental protection, and aquatic ecosystem health and biodiversity.

About Us

Problems our lab helps you address

Invasive Species

Invasive species like Zebra & Quagga mussels threaten our aquatic ecosystems. EQO empowers clients to actively manage and mitigate these infestations.

Endangered Species

Pollution, climate shifts, and habitat loss endanger native species. With EQO, clients can effectively track and respond to changing population dynamics.

BioSecurity Risks

Agricultural and municipal runoff pose significant health and safety challenges. EQO partners with clients to address and manage these biosecurity threats.

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Get in touch -
we are here for you.

Contact us if you have questions or would like advice from our experts. EQO welcomes the opportunity to support your aquatic ecosystem testing needs.

Fill out the project survey form and will get back to you within one working day.

Project Survey