Microanalysis of minerals in Rhizophora mangle L. leaves from Marambaia mangroves reveal low presence of potentially toxic elements

Abstract

The mangroves of Marambaia, area bathed by the Bay of Sepetiba, is located in an area protected by the Brazilian Army and has a remarkable level of environmental protection among ecosystems around the bay. Leaf content of minerals and potentially toxic elements in a typical species of mangrove of Rhizophora mangle L. were analyzed from samples collected in Marambaia. Microanalyses of minerals were done by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy coupled to Scanning Electron Microscope (EDX-SEM) that showed the elemental composition and its relative quantity in R. mangle leaves. The major mineral deteced were Na, Ca and Cl, and low concentration of Zn.