Inorganic Chemical Composition of Native Trees of the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest, recognized for its rich biodiversity, is classified as a global biodiversity hotspot. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of leaves from native trees and the underlying soils using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Key species, including Euterpe edulis, Bathysa meridionalis, and others, were analyzed to determine their elemental concentrations. Notably, Euterpe edulis, the predominant understory species, exhibited the lowest concentrations of elements, except for zinc. Variations in chemical composition were observed, with species-specific characteristics appearing more significant than soil variability in determining leaf element concentrations. Monte-Carlo assisted factor analysis facilitated species discrimination based on elemental profiles. The findings suggest that investigating the chemical properties of native trees is a valuable approach for studying biodiversity within the Atlantic Forest region.