Biogeochemical behaviour of cadmium in sediments and potential biological impact on mangroves under anthropogenic influence: A baseline survey from a protected nature reserve

Cadmium is a toxic element and its effects are well understood for human health, but its biogeochemical behaviour is still poorly studied and understood in natural ecosystems. This work addresses knowledge gaps concerning its presence, biogeochemical behaviour and impacts in mangrove ecosystems. Through geochemical data and multivariate analysis (i.e., factor and cluster analysis) of data from mangroves of Isla del Carmen, one of the largest extents in Mexico we explored the biogeochemical behaviour of Cd, a potentially toxic element, to identify its anthropogenic sources and interactions with sediments. Pollution indices, including enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), sediment quality guidelines (SQG) and toxicological studies were used to assess the biological impacts of Cd and infer the natural levels tolerated by mangrove trees that form the basis of this natural ecosystem. Our results highlighted that Cd accumulation is driven by interactions between organic matter (OM), sulphur and fine particles; whereas enrichment factor showed values of 6.9 (EF) and 3.5 (EF) associated with point sources and ranged between 2 and 2.9 (EF) in relation to non-point sources. Finally, our geochemical approach revealed that Cd enrichment originates from urban activities and from the poor management of urban residuals.

Automated summary

Cadmium is a toxic element with well-understood effects on human health, but its biogeochemical behavior in natural ecosystems is poorly understood. This study investigates the presence, behavior, and impacts of cadmium in mangrove ecosystems using geochemical data and multivariate analysis. The results reveal that cadmium accumulation in mangroves is influenced by interactions between organic matter, sulfur, and fine particles, and is primarily derived from urban activities and poor waste management.