Trace metal concentrations in tropical and subtropical coastal wetlands: A systematic review dataset (2010–2025) [Dataset]

Full description

This dataset accompanies a systematic review of trace metal contamination in tropical and subtropical coastal wetlands, compiled from 237 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025. It provides trace metal concentration data (reported as mean ± standard deviation or range), together with sediment sampling depth, sampled plant and animal species, country and region, wetland type (mangrove, saltmarsh, or tidal flat), environmental matrix (sediment, plant tissue, or animal tissue) and publication details. The dataset was compiled through a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Springer Nature Link for studies published between 2010 and 2025 that investigated trace metals in mangroves, saltmarshes, or tidal flats within tropical and subtropical regions (approximately 35°N–35°S). Following title, abstract, and full-text screening against predefined inclusion criteria, 237 studies were included. Data from each study were manually extracted and standardised into a consistent database containing the variables described above. All records were extracted from publicly available peer-reviewed publications. Users of this dataset should cite both the associated review article and the original publications from which individual data records were obtained.