An iron-hard legacy? An analysis of metal accumulation and recovery over time in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest plants after the Fundão Dam collapse.

The study investigates the long-term effects of the 2015 Fundão tailings dam collapse in Brazil, focusing on metal accumulation in soil, plants and its implications for ecosystem recovery. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2024, analyzed 3311 individuals from areas directly and indirectly affected by the dam collapse, as well as from non-affected areas, integrating geochemical, spatial, and temporal analyses. Metal concentration and cellular damage were evaluated in roots and leaves.