Heavy metal contamination and blue carbon sequestration in mangrove ecosystems of Puerto Rico

Heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems can significantly impact biological activity, metal retention, and biogeochemical cycling. This study examined the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in sediments and leaves of two mangrove ecosystems in Puerto Rico: La Parguera and Laguna Grande. We also evaluated ratios of metal concentrations in plants and soils, i.e., bioconcentration factors (BCF) and differences in metal concentrations between green and senescent (yellow) leaves, i.e., retention percentages (RT%). Levels of metals at both sites were low relative to previous mangrove studies, but were markedly higher at the Laguna Grande site due to anthropogenic influences. Relationships between metals, between metals and sediment carbon, and metal retention and bioavailability also differed between the sites.  Results suggest that differences in relationships between metals and between metals and carbon may be..., , , # Heavy metal contamination and its influences on blue carbon in mangroves in Puerto Rico

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.tx95x6b7g](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.tx95x6b7g)

## Description of the data and file structure

Heavy Metal Analysis of soil from sediment Cores and leaves of mangroves from Puerto Rican Mangroves were collected for biogeochemistry analysis.

### Files and variables

#### File: Soil_Samples_-_Heavy_Metals_10-18-24.xlsx

**Description:** The Excel sheet contains the raw heavy metal data from sediment cores from one study area in Puerto Rico. This dataset presents the concentration of selected metals (in ppm) in environmental or possibly biological samples identified by unique Sample IDs. It focuses on potentially toxic elements commonly monitored in environmental assessments.

#### File: Soil_and_Plant_Data_Final_11-29-24.xlsx

**Description:** The Excel sheet contains the raw heavy metal data and plant data from sediment cores from one study area in Puerto Rico. ...,