Data from: Wastewater treatment effectively eliminates exogenous eDNA, preventing downstream false-positive detections

This dataset accompanies the study “Wastewater treatment effectively eliminates exogenous eDNA, preventing downstream false-positive detections” and contains environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification data from a controlled spiking experiment conducted at four wastewater treatment plants in Flanders, Belgium. Data were collected on 9 and 10 September 2024 and comprise droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)–based, species-specific eDNA concentrations measured at three locations within each facility (influent, effluent, and downstream river) before and after a controlled spiking event with target taxa. The dataset includes fully processed and thresholded eDNA concentrations derived from standardized laboratory workflows and is designed to assess the fate of exogenous, consumption-derived eDNA during wastewater treatment. Additionally, the samples were subjected to metabarcoding analyses to allow detection of non-target species. Together with the accompanying analysis script, these data enable evaluation of eDNA removal efficiency in wastewater treatment systems and support interpretation of downstream eDNA signals in anthropogenically impacted aquatic environments.

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