Prediction of heavy metals in polluted mangrove soils in Brazil with the highest reported levels of mercury using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Infrared reflectance spectroscopy has demonstrated potential as a tool for monitoring and preventing contamination in different environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting heavy-metal contamination in mangrove soils from the Botafogo River estuary located in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil. These soils exhibit the highest mercury (Hg) levels ever reported for Brazilian mangrove soils.