What is the purpose of a control sample that is know to be from bighead carp in edna surveillance for bighead carp?

A control sample known to be from bighead carp in environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance serves as a benchmark to validate the accuracy and reliability of the detection methods used in the study. It helps ensure that any positive results for bighead carp DNA in the environmental samples are accurate and not due to contamination or false positives. Additionally, control samples allow researchers to assess the efficiency of DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing processes, enhancing the overall quality and credibility of the findings.