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Mangrove carbon and nutrient accumulation shifts driven by rapid development in a tropical estuarine system, northeast Brazil
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Mangrove carbon and nutrient accumulation shifts driven by rapid development in a tropical estuarine system, northeast Brazil

Tiago Passos, Dan Penny, Christian Sanders, Elvis De França, Thais Oliveira, Luciana Santos and Roberto Barcellos
Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.166, 112219
2021
PMID: 33690084
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112219View
Published (Version of record)

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#13 Climate Action
#14 Life Below Water

Source: InCites

Abstract

Carbon accumulation Anthropogenic impact δ13C 210Pb Mangrove Organic matter source TN and δ15N
Mangrove environments are important for maintaining biodiversity and carbon cycling. However, these systems are being degraded at alarming rates around the world, particularly in rapidly developing regions. Here, we examine a sediment profile from a mangrove forest near a large port complex at Suape, northeast Brazil, in order to assess the impact of rapid urbanization and industrialization. We find that total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) accumulation rates have increased in the estuary since the 1980's, directly related to rapid urban development. The TN and heavy δ15N values in the sediment column suggest increasing anthropogenic influences. In contrast, heavy metal fluxes did not increase during these transitions. The increase in TOC and TN accumulation rates during the past four decades highlight the significant role mangrove areas play as sinks for anthropogenically enhanced nutrients in poorly-understood tropical areas. •TOC and TN accumulation rates have increased in the estuary since the 1980’s reflecting urbanization and industrial growth.•The TN increase and heavy δ15N values in the sediment column in the last decades suggests increasing anthropogenic impact.•Heavy metal fluxes did not change during these transitions.•This study shows the significant role of mangroves as sinks for anthropogenically enhanced nutrients in tropical areas.

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