The Verde River watershed (VRW) in southeastern Amazonia is undergoing extensive channel modification and sediment disturbance from illegal alluvial gold mining, yet site-specific geochemical baselines capable of separating natural from mining-derived metal enrichment remain lacking. We integrated morphostratigraphic reconstruction with high-density geochemical analyses of potentially toxic elements (PTE: As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn) in stratigraphically constrained alluvial deposits to establish pre-anthropogenic background (natural) values and quantify enrichment in recently reworked sediments. Over the past similar to 7600 years, sediment geochemistry has been shaped by shifts in provenance between mineralized mafic and felsic lithologies and by climatic variability, producing naturally elevated Cu (93-455 mg kg-1), Cr (124-352 mg kg-1), and Ni (40-107 mg kg-1) that in some cases exceed Brazilian and international sediment quality guidelines (threshold, probable, and severe effect levels) without anthropogenic input. While these natural concentrations generally indicate low ecological risk, comparisons between lithology-specific backgrounds and residues from illegal mining sites show that Cu, Co, and Ni are the most consistently and significantly enriched PTE, whereas Hg, historically the focus in Amazonian mining studies, remains below moderate contamination factors at most sites. These results highlight that stratigraphy-anchored backgrounds are critical for distinguishing geogenic from anthropogenic signatures in tropical alluvial systems, thereby improving ecological risk assessment and guiding targeted monitoring and remediation in mining-impacted Amazonian watersheds.

Cave ecosystems rely heavily on organic matter inputs from the outside to support their trophic networks and biodiversity. In the iron-ore caves of Carajás, southeastern Amazonia, bat guano is a major source of organic matter and integrates signals from the surrounding landscape. Nevertheless, our understanding of the relative contributions from other surface-derived organic matter sources, and how these organic material sources are transported into cave environments is limited. Through a combination of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, Bayesian mixing models, and compositional data analysis, the present study estimated for the first time, the contribution of different geoenvironmental units of ferruginous outcrops (canga) to cave deposits in four iron-ore caves of Carajás on a preliminary scale. The results indicate a consistent contribution of organic matter derived from poorly drained depressions, particularly swampy fields (median: 41.5-42.9%) and grasslands (median: 8.8-15.1%). These patterns suggest that water infiltration via fractures is an important pathway connecting the surface environment and underground systems, thereby contributing alongside the accumulation of bat guano. This study demonstrates the ecological importance of caves as integrative components of the surrounding landscape and further emphasizes the need to conserve both cave ecosystems and the surface ecosystems that support them by quantifying surface-subsurface connectivity.

This study established reliable natural geochemical backgrounds for Amazonian upland lakes and evaluated how lateritic catchment materials are transferred and transformed in lake sediments across Carajás, Araguaia, and Xingu. Ferruginous duricrusts and lake sediments were analyzed using a robust median + 2×median absolute deviation (mMAD) approach to define regional inorganic and organic backgrounds. Source-to-sink changes were quantified with Hf-referenced mass-transfer coefficients. Sediment composition was further assessed by principal component analysis, redox-sensitive element ratios (Mo/U and S/Fe), rare earth element patterns, and MixSIAR modeling of organic matter sources in surface sediments. Region-specific mMAD backgrounds captured lithological controls while minimizing outlier influence. Mass-transfer coefficients indicated net silica enrichment and ferruginous loss from catchments to sediments, expanding to multi-element enrichment in organic-rich infilled basins. Principal component analysis revealed a dominant gradient from silica dilution to iron-phosphate carrier enrichment, with Al co-varying with Si and Ba, indicating limited suitability of Al normalization and supporting the use of high-field-strength elements such as Hf and Th. Redox proxies showed prevailing non-sulfidic anoxia with episodic micro-sulfidization sufficient for Mo retention, especially in basins with greater accommodation space and organic loading. MixSIAR indicated that bacterial organic matter dominated sediments in all sub-regions, followed by macrophytes and phytoplankton, with clear spatial differences among lake districts. The integrated framework provides defensible geochemical backgrounds, supports high-field-strength element-based normalization, and offers process-based guidance for monitoring and management of tropical lateritic watersheds and lake sediments.

The endangered tree species Stephanopodium engleri Baill., endemic to the semideciduous seasonal forest of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in Brazil, is threatened by its limited distribution and loss and degradation of its habitat. The objective of this study was to characterize the fruits, seeds, and germination traits, providing support for the development of effective conservation strategies. A biometric analysis of 300 fruits revealed that the species produces bilocular drupes, although approximately half of the fruits contain only a single seed. Anatomical studies demonstrated the presence of a fibrous seed coat, which is more permeable at the hilum and helps to regulate water uptake. The germination trials revealed that fresh seeds had a 92% germination rate and a rapid germination time, averaging 12 days when tested at 25 °C. However, the seeds lost viability entirely after 90 days of storage, along with significant water loss, which is indicative of recalcitrant seed storage behavior. The abundance of reserves, including starch, proteins, and lipids in the cotyledons, promotes rapid initial growth and supports seedling establishment. These findings indicate that S. engleri depends on immediate germination and quick seedling growth for survival, with sensitivity to dry conditions possibly limiting its range to moist, intact forest patches. The results emphasize the species’ reliance on specific environmental factors for regeneration and highlight the difficulties in ensuring its long-term conservation.

Ferruginous outcrops are ecologically formations that host high biodiversity and edaphic endemism. While canga outcrops in Carajás have been the focus of more extensive research, ferruginous outcrops in the Araguaia remain poorly studied, especially with respect to their functional ecology and conservation value. We evaluated the soils, floristic and functional compositions of plant communities on ferruginous outcrops in Carajás and the Araguaia, with the goals of comparing edaphic conditions, floristic compositions, and functional strategies between these disjunct regions and identifying patterns relevant for biodiversity conservation. A total of 129 plots were sampled spanning grassland (GS), shrubland (SB), and woodland (WD) formations. In all plots, soil samples were collected, and plant traits related to resource acquisition (SLA, leaf N, N:P), reproductive strategies (fruit dimensions), and interaction modes (dispersal and pollination syndromes) were measured. Herbaceous and woody communities (trees and treelets with dbh ≥= 3 cm) were analyzed separately. Functional similarity was assessed via community-weighted means and multivariate trait space analyses. Despite exhibiting moderate floristic similarity between regions and edaphic differences, both regions share acidic soils with low phosphorus (P) availability, a condition that imposes similar constraints on resource acquisition. Open formations (GS, SB) in both regions showed functional convergence, indicating similar environmental filters. In contrast, woody communities, especially those in WD, presented pronounced differences in trait composition, reflecting differences in local conditions and ecological history. This study highlights the complementary conservation value of ferruginous outcrops in Carajás and the Araguaia. The functional similarities in open formations suggest that these environments may exhibit ecological strategies associated with similar environmental conditions. Recognizing and protecting these unique environments is essential to ensure their long-term ecological resilience.

Understanding the drivers of bee beta diversity across pristine environments in the Amazon is critical for ensuring biodiversity conservation, restoration, sustainable land use planning and economic development. Here, we aim to reveal the patterns of among-site variation in bee communities between pristine open habitats and pristine forest formations in the Amazon using standardized bee surveys across sites and trait-based analyses (body size, sociality, nesting, buzz pollination and colour). We quantified dissimilarity patterns and evaluated environmental filtering effects to test (1) whether functional diversity can better predict bee beta diversity than taxonomic diversity can and (2) whether environmental filtering determines the predominant bee traits for each environment. Our results revealed a high overall beta diversity across all pristine environments, which was primarily driven by species and functional trait turnover. Compared to taxonomic metrics, functional beta diversity better captured among-site variation, highlighting distinct ecological filtering between habitats to select different sets of traits. A portion of open habitat communities was functionally nested within forest assemblages, suggesting that forests may serve as species reservoirs for open habitats. Forests supported a richer taxonomic and functional bee assemblage, while open habitat communities exhibited specialized traits, including solitary behaviour, exposed nesting, dark coloration and buzz pollination. These findings highlight the importance of landscape heterogeneity and trait-based approaches, which should be incorporated into environmental management, restoration and biodiversity offset plans. From a conservation perspective, our results stress the need to maintain open habitat patches (regardless of their size), which must remain embedded within a forest matrix. With respect to restoration, we show that restoration of open habitats should consider the recovery of adjacent forest habitats to support ecological functionality. Integrated efforts are needed to recognize landscape heterogeneity as a fundamental component of ecological resilience in the Amazon. Incorporation of functional beta diversity into conservation and restoration planning increases the maintenance in the provision of ecosystem services and environmental resilience in Amazonian landscapes.Read the free for this article on the Journal blog. Compreender a beta diversidade de abelhas em ambientes prim & aacute;rios na Amaz & ocirc;nia & eacute; fundamental para assegurar a conserva & ccedil;& atilde;o da biodiversidade, a restaura & ccedil;& atilde;o, o planejamento sustent & aacute;vel do uso da terra e o desenvolvimento econ & ocirc;mico. Nesse estudo, buscamos revelar os padr & otilde;es de beta diversidade entre comunidades de abelhas em & aacute;reas prim & aacute;rias de vegeta & ccedil;& atilde;o aberta e florestas primarias na Amaz & ocirc;nia. Utilizamos amostragens padronizadas em diferentes & aacute;reas e an & aacute;lises baseadas em tra & ccedil;os funcionais (tamanho corporal, socialidade, nidifica & ccedil;& atilde;o, buzz pollination e colora & ccedil;& atilde;o). Quantificamos os padr & otilde;es de dissimilaridade e avaliamos os efeitos do filtro ambiental para testar (1) se a diversidade funcional pode predizer melhor a beta diversidade de abelhas do que a diversidade taxon & ocirc;mica e (2) se a filtragem ambiental determina os tra & ccedil;os predominantes das abelhas em cada ambiente. Encontramos uma alta beta diversidade em todos os ambientes prim & aacute;rios, impulsionada principalmente pela substitui & ccedil;& atilde;o (turnover) de esp & eacute;cies e de tra & ccedil;os funcionais. Em compara & ccedil;& atilde;o & agrave;s m & eacute;tricas taxon & ocirc;micas, a beta diversidade funcional capturou melhor a varia & ccedil;& atilde;o entre locais, evidenciando distintos processos de filtragem ecol & oacute;gica entre habitats que selecionam diferentes conjuntos de tra & ccedil;os. Parte das comunidades presentes em & aacute;reas abertas mostrou-se funcionalmente aninhada & agrave;s comunidades de & aacute;reas florestais, sugerindo que as florestas podem atuar como reservat & oacute;rios de esp & eacute;cies para os habitats abertos. As florestas sustentaram comunidades com maior riqueza, taxon & ocirc;mica e funcional, enquanto as comunidades de habitats abertos apresentaram tra & ccedil;os especializados, incluindo comportamento solit & aacute;rio, nidifica & ccedil;& atilde;o exposta, colora & ccedil;& atilde;o escura e poliniza & ccedil;& atilde;o por vibra & ccedil;& atilde;o. Destacamos a import & acirc;ncia da heterogeneidade da paisagem e de abordagens baseadas em tra & ccedil;os, que devem ser incorporadas ao manejo ambiental, a estrat & eacute;gias de restaura & ccedil;& atilde;o e aos planos de compensa & ccedil;& atilde;o de biodiversidade. Sob a perspectiva da conserva & ccedil;& atilde;o, nossos resultados ressaltam a necessidade de manter manchas de habitats abertos (independentemente de seu tamanho), que devem permanecer inseridas em uma matriz florestal. No contexto da restaura & ccedil;& atilde;o, mostramos que a recupera & ccedil;& atilde;o de habitats abertos deve considerar a restaura & ccedil;& atilde;o de & aacute;reas florestais adjacentes para sustentar a funcionalidade ecol & oacute;gica. A incorpora & ccedil;& atilde;o da beta diversidade funcional no planejamento da conserva & ccedil;& atilde;o e da restaura & ccedil;& atilde;o contribui para a manuten & ccedil;& atilde;o da provis & atilde;o de servi & ccedil;os ecossist & ecirc;micos e da resili & ecirc;ncia ambiental das diferentes paisagens amaz & ocirc;nicas.

Tropical forests, particularly the Atlantic Forest, are among the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth. Intense fragmentation, historical deforestation, and climate change have compromised their integrity and endangered endemic and rare species. The situation is even more critical in the Doce River Basin (DRB), a biodiversity hotspot in southeastern Brazil, due to the expansion of pastureland and mining, as well as the 2015 Mariana disaster. Understanding how future climate may affect the persistence of threatened tree species in the region is essential. This study evaluated the effects of climate scenarios on the distribution of 26 rare and/or threatened tree species in the DRB. We used Species Distribution Models (SDMs), combining algorithms (GLM, RDF, SVM, MaxEnt) into a consensus ensemble model under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for 2050 and 2090. Climatic, topographic, and edaphic variables were predictors, with climate explaining most environmental variation. Among the 26 species, 19 are projected to lose over 75

Quantifying the long-term impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) change on carbon stocks is critical for guiding climate change mitigation strategies in tropical forest frontiers. In this study, we assessed the spatially explicit carbon balance of the Itacai & uacute;nas River Basin (IRB), located in the Amazon arc of deforestation, from 1985 to 2021. To achieve this, we combined annual LULC maps with estimates of biomass and soil carbon stocks and burned area data to quantify carbon losses from deforestation, carbon gains from secondary forest regrowth, and direct fire emissions. Over the 36-year period, the IRB lost 335 Mt-C (40% of its original stock), mainly due to biomass loss associated with the conversion of primary forests to pasture. Protected areas, which cover 29% of the basin, contained 51% of the remaining carbon stock in 2021 and contributed only 4% to the net carbon loss. Fire emissions accounted for up to 12% of annual carbon losses during prolonged drought years. Secondary forests stored 23 Mt-C in 2021, although current regrowth rates remain insufficient to offset ongoing deforestation. These findings reinforce the importance of protected areas, forest restoration, deforestation control, and improved pasture management in supporting climate change mitigation and sustainable land management strategies across the Amazon.

Ex situ conservation is essential for achieving the goals of the United Nations Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Although seed banking is the most common method of ex situ plant conservation, many ecologically and economically important species cannot be effectively conserved by this method (i.e., exceptional species). These species can be preserved through cryopreservation and ex situ living collections; however, cryopreservation is expensive and remains underdeveloped for many taxa, while ex situ living collections often have poor genetic representation and limited evolutionary potential. Inter situ collections-conservation plantings established outside the current species range under natural or semi-natural conditions-are well suited for conserving the genetic diversity of exceptional species and can complement in situ conservation. Here, we present a case study establishing and managing inter situ collections of an exceptional plant species from the Amazon rainforest, aiming to preserve its genetic diversity in the long term and establish new self-sustaining populations. In addition, the inter situ collection contributes to ecological restoration by enriching the understory layer in recovering forest areas where the collection was established. Our study provides a model for initiatives seeking to develop seed sources for further conservation actions, such as reintroduction or habitat restoration. The results highlight the importance of systematically monitoring propagule production and field establishment success at the individual level in order to continuously optimize seed harvesting and propagation strategies. Finally, we propose practical guidelines for conserving plant species through inter situ collections, intended as an entry point rather than a comprehensive framework. We hope these findings encourage stronger integration between inter situ and in situ conservation approaches for exceptional tropical plant species.

Understanding the recovery of phylogenetic diversity during tropical forest succession is critical for informing ecosystem stability, conserving evolutionary history, and guiding restoration. To address these goals, we evaluated patterns of phylogenetic diversity, structure, and lineage turnover across 61 s-growth and 18 old-growth forest communities in three regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We asked whether second-growth forests recover the phylogenetic diversity found in old-growth forests over time, whether there is a consistent pattern of community assembly along succession, whether functional traits are phylogenetically conserved, and to what extent second-growth forests contribute to evolutionary history conservation at the landscape scale. Our results revealed that second-growth forests exhibit increasing species richness and phylogenetic diversity with forest age. However, standardized phylogenetic structure metrics (sesPD, sesMPD, sesMNTD) remained stable along succession and did not differ from old-growth forests, suggesting that successional time alone does not shape phylogenetic structure. Most functional traits showed low phylogenetic signal, indicating a decoupling between phylogenetic and functional recovery. Despite the absence of some rare and evolutionarily distinct lineages, particularly within Malpighiales, in second-growth forests, beta diversity analyses demonstrated that combining both forest types conserves a broader set of lineages than either type alone. This phylogenetic complementarity underscores the value of conserving both forest types as complementary components of regional biodiversity. Our findings emphasize the role of second-growth forests in preserving evolutionary history and support their inclusion in conservation and restoration strategies. By integrating broad-scale phylogenetic analyses with regional datasets, this study enhances our understanding of biodiversity recovery in one of the world's most threatened tropical biomes.

Information on abundance and distribution patterns is crucial for effective species conservation planning. Here we provide information on the distribution range and abundance of Parapiqueria cavalcantei and Carajasia cangae, which are endemic to the Amazonian ironstone outcrops of Serra dos Carajas, Brazil. Extensive surveys for both species were conducted based on previous records and by active searching, covering all the known distribution of the target species along the Serra dos Carajas. Abundance were acquired from 492 plots of 1 m2, and information on vegetation type was obtained from land cover maps. We reported new records of P. cavalcantei and C. cangae, which has increased the area of occupancy of the species. With the new records, we estimated an area of occupancy of 40 km2 to P. cavalcantei and 60 km2 to C. cangae. Both species presented some vegetation specificity: P. cavalcantei was more frequently recorded at low woodlands, while C. cangae was more abundant in areas of rocky grasslands. Hotspots of abundance for both species were evidenced along the range of distribution. Altogether, this information will support the development of mitigation plans focused on the conservation of these narrow-range endemic species.

Biological invasion threatens biodiversity protection and ecosystem services and is considered one of the major threats to the long-term success of mineland restoration projects. Especially due to the unrestrained growth and significant dispersal capacity of invasive species that jeopardize not only the recovery areas but also pose risks to neighboring environments. Despite the urgency, combating invasive species is still conducted in a manner incompatible with the need for effective large-scale monitoring. A significant challenge has been developing methods capable of detecting these species during the early stages of invasion and monitoring the population on a large scale.The utilization of refined data, particularly those collected with multi and hyperspectral sensors, has been a focal point for species detection in ecological research, particularly in environments with higher diversity. However, the adoption of such approaches is not yet widespread among environmental monitoring companies, primarily due to challenges associated with costs and the complexities of data collection. Using deep-learning algorithms can than facilitate species detection with simple RGB images providing more possibilities to ecological studies in this field, while improves application as simplifier the process of data acquisition to ecosystems managers. For this purpose, this work used a deep-learning model using RGB images to detect two invasive species Melinis minutiflora Beauv. (Poaceae) and Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) in mining restoration sites in the eastern Amazon. Unoccupied aerial systems image data of a waste pile was collected with a total size of approximately 108 ha.The applied methodology was able to differ invasive species in our study site and the spatial distribution map generated revealed hotspots of M. minutiflora and M. calabura in the restoration area. The detection of these species using RGB images underscores the potential of deep learning to map invasive species and provides a more accessible way for monitoring on a larger scale. In conclusion, our results contribute to improve efficiency of large-scale monitoring of invasive species in restoration projects. By facilitating data collection and highlighting the potential for economically viable management, our findings provide a valuable perspective for stakeholders engaged in enhancing invasive species management practices.

BACKGROUND: Pilocarpus microphyllus, widely known as jaborandi, faces a decline in its natural population due to unsustainable harvesting for pilocarpine extraction, an imidazole alkaloid with significant pharmacological properties. This study presents the first comparative transcriptomic analysis in jaborandi by investigating gene expression across four different tissues (leaflets, rachis, root, and stem) and exploring potential pathways and functions involved in pilocarpine biosynthesis. RESULTS: The comparisons involving the root had the highest number of DEGs, including root vs. leaflets, rachis vs. root, and stem vs. root. In contrast, no DEGs were identified in the comparison between stem and leaflets. We observed that the root exhibited the most diverse functional profile, including an abundance of TFs involved in alkaloid biosynthesis. Functional enrichment analysis of root-overexpressed genes revealed associations with cell transport, regulatory processes, and defense responses. In contrast, aerial tissues exhibited enrichment for photosynthesis and oxidative stress response pathways, with antioxidant enzymes highly expressed in the leaflets—the primary site of pilocarpine accumulation in its final form—suggesting a potential link between pilocarpine production and the plant’s antioxidative response. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of enzymes potentially involved in pilocarpine biosynthesis in both aerial and root tissues supports the idea that its biosynthesis is a multi-tissue process. This study provides important insights into the metabolic pathways for advancing conservation strategies and promoting sustainable management of this species.

Fungi are crucial for ecosystem functioning, but there is a lack of data regarding their role in tropical ferruginous ecosystems. This study aims to characterize fungal communities across a vegetation gradient in the ferricretes of the southeastern Amazon, using metabarcoding of the second subunit of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). Soil samples were collected from different vegetation formations from previously identified ferricretes in the Lower Araguaia Watershed, Brazil. In total, 2,237 operational taxonomic units were obtained, with a predominance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The taxonomic and functional groups differed between grasslands, shrublands and adjacent forests. Saprotrophic fungi and plant pathogens are predominant across all ferricrete formations, with notable dominance of melanized fungi such as Chaetothyriales and Pleosporales that are highly tolerant to adverse environmental conditions. The distribution of fungal communities is influenced by factors such as soil pH, nutrients, and texture. These results provide new insight into the dynamics of fungal communities in ferruginous fields and their importance for the maintenance of plant communities established in Amazonian ferricretes.

Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development; however, it can become toxic when present in excess in the plant tissues. This study examines the iron-regulating mechanisms in six species (three monocots and three eudicots) from three distinct canga physiognomies-open canga, grasslands, and shrublands-located in the iron-rich ecosystems of Serra dos Carajas, eastern Amazon (Brazil). Using histochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we examined iron absorption, translocation, and accumulation in root and leaf tissues. Our findings revealed phylogenetically driven strategies, with distinct responses between monocots and eudicots. In monocots, such as Axonopus carajasensis, iron exclusion was facilitated by iron plaque formation and a robust endodermis, while iron was accumulated in bundle sheath cells of leaves to prevent toxicity. Conversely, eudicots like Mimosa acutistipula accumulated iron in mesophyll cells, with phenolic compounds aiding in chelation and oxidative stress mitigation. Trichomes on the adaxial surfaces of Paspalum cangarum and Brasilianthus carajensis appeared to trap iron, potentially shielding the stomata from clogging. Furthermore, the formation of aerenchyma in monocot roots improved oxygen transport and facilitated iron plaque formation in waterlogged conditions. These distinct phylogenetic responses may contribute to the coexistence of plant species from different evolutionary lineages across the environmental gradients of canga. These adaptive strategies highlight the ecological success of canga species in iron-rich environments, allowing them to thrive in extreme conditions.

One challenge of revegetating mined areas is establishing vegetation that quickly promotes soil cover and accumulates biomass. This work compared biomass production and vegetation cover between a Non-native cocktail (8 noninvasive exotic species) and a Native cocktail (12 species native to the National Forest of Caraj & aacute;s, Brazil) to guide species selection for revegetation. Ex situ and in situ tests were conducted in the Caraj & aacute;s Mineral Province. During the ex situ phase, the growth of both cocktails was evaluated in four substrates from different waste piles. In the in situ phase, the Native, Non-native, and Native + Non-native cocktails were sown on the base of a cut slope, with soil vegetation cover evaluated every 2 months for 8 months. Non-native cocktail produced more biomass (ex situ) and had greater growth and competitive vigor during the first 2 months of revegetation (in situ). Due to the delayed growth of some native species, the initial differences between cocktails disappear over time. Thus, combining native and non-native species is recommended to achieve rapid biomass incorporation by non-native species at the beginning of revegetation, followed by an enrichment or replacement by native species. This approach meets the legal requirements to reduce the application of non-native species to the minimum while achieving quick soil coverage.

This study evaluates the distribution, mobility, and lithological control of potentially toxic elements (PTE: As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn), Al and Fe in surface soils of the Verde River Watershed (VRW), a highly mineralized and anthropogenically influenced basin within the Carajás Mineral Province (CMP), Brazilian Amazon. The CMP hosts world-class Fe ore reserves, large-tonnage IOCG (iron oxide–copper–gold), and Ni laterite deposits, while also being affected by small-scale Cu and Au mining, which contributes to regional environmental pressures. A total of 113 topsoil samples were analyzed for pseudo-total PTE (ICP–MS) and bioavailable (DTPA) fractions. Geochemical baselines were established using the modified median absolute deviation method, and multivariate analyses (clr-PCA, HCA), contamination indices (Igeo, EF, PLI, RAC), and chondrite-normalized REE patterns were applied to distinguish between geogenic enrichment and potential anthropogenic contributions. Results indicated that soil texture, mineralogy, and organic matter content are key drivers of PTE behavior. Soils developed over mafic–ultramafic lithologies in the CB showed higher clay and Fe/Al oxide content, promoting PTE retention. In contrast, felsic-derived soils in the CCD exhibited greater metal mobility, particularly for Cu, Zn, and Mn. RAC assessments identified Mn and Zn as the most mobile and potentially hazardous elements, while Fe remained largely immobile. The spatial variability of risk classifications aligned with lithological and pedogenic differences, underscoring the influence of geodiversity on contaminant dynamics. These findings contribute to a better understanding of metal behavior in tropical soil systems and offer a scientific basis for environmental monitoring and sustainable land management in mining-affected landscapes.

We propose an innovative approach that links nature and people to assess the natural capital of tropical forests in the Amazon. Our study location is a protected area inside Eastern Amazon forest, where we defined 14 sampling points and analyzed ten components, which encompass the maintenance of standing forests (nature to itself) and the provision of ecosystem services (nature to people). Five components were used to assess ecosystem functions and five components were used to assess ecosystem services. As for ecosystem functions, we registered 467 species of animals (122 bees, 53 butterflies, 292 birds) and 418 plant species, and a mean interaction diversity of 2.8 (from 480 bee-plant interactions). Based on functional traits, we found that at least 83 % of species must be preserved to guarantee resilience, and that functional diversity relies on 60 % of non-replaceable species. Eleven per cent of birds and 9 % of plants are endangered. As for ecosystem services, carbon storage in soil and vegetation is 41.6 and 173 MgC/ha (on average), respectively. One to four uses by Amazonian traditional communities were reported on 42 % of plants. In the vicinities of the protected area, we found that 66 % of crops (13 from 20 crop species) depend on pollinating bees, and the value of annual crop pollination service is US $4.5Mi. Regarding water protection and local climate regulation, data modelling has shown that the presence of protected forests leads to a 21 % increase in evapotranspiration and a decrease in temperature of 0.4 degrees C. Our framework showed a clear link between the megadiversity found in Amazonian tropical forest and the robust benefits provided to human welfare, highlighting forest conservation as a key element for sustainable development. Advances in understanding the value of forests stimulate significant new opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of forest conservation and management policies and decision-making.

cangas are iron-rich outcrops where rupestrian fields develop in the Carajás Mountain Range (CMR). canga formations are ancient ecosystems characterized by high levels of endemic and threatened plant species that thrive on iron-rich substrates in the southeastern Amazon uplands. The recent taxonomic validation of these species enables more accurate distribution modeling across past, present, and future time scales. This work presents a comprehensive palynological database for the Amazon canga vegetation, resulting from extensive field and herbarium surveys, as well as the compilation and taxonomic validation of species in the Carajás Mountain Range (CMR). This atlas includes 204 plant species: 10 ferns and lycophytes, 62 monocots, and 132 eudicots and magnoliids (mainly herbs, lianas, and trees). Most flowering plants are pollinated by bees, with secondary pollination by other insects and wind. The taxa co-occur in two geoenvironments: (1) forested slopes and caves over plinthosols and ferralsols and (2) slopes with canga vegetation over plinthosols. Seventeen species are potential domesticates used by Indigenous peoples. This highlights canga vegetation as a unique and diverse ecosystem with various survival strategies, emphasizing the need for precise habitat definitions in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate reconstructions. This atlas provides a valuable reference for palynological studies, enhancing the vegetation reconstruction, climate history analysis, pre-Columbian influences on vegetation patterns, and ecological monitoring.