CONTAMINATION OF MANGROVES BY POTENTIALLY TOXIC NON-ESSENTIAL METALS FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES
mangroves, APACC
The mangrove is an important ecosystem for the balance of the planet. However, contamination by potentially toxic metals puts the services offered by the ecosystem at risk, especially mercury (Hg). Sediment and root samples were collected at two points in the mangrove located in the city of Porto de Pedras. Through these samples, the concentration of Hg in the mangrove was analyzed, using the atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer. In addition to geoaccumulation indices, pollutant load and potential ecological risk being applied. All results demonstrated that the mangrove is not contaminated and does not have high levels of Hg concentrations. However, it is worth emphasizing the need for further studies in this area.