The National Park Veracruz Reef System (PNSAV) located in the Veracruz coastal area, Gulf of Mexico is highly influenced by anthropogenic and natural impacts. In this study, we analyzed the total and bioavailable fractions of Cd and Pb contents in sediments recovered at 18 sites (~8–9 m water depth) in the Veracruz Reef System (VRS). An enrichment of Cd and Pb contents is identified in VRS, which indicates various anthropogenic activities that occurred in the region. The Cd total fraction observed in the Rizo reef surpassed the Mid-range effect (ERM), which is potentially toxic to marine organisms and human health. High Cd bioavailable fraction is observed in the Gallega and Galleguilla reefs in the northern part of the PNSAV, but they did not exceed the ERM and Low Range Effect (ERL) values. However, relatively high bioavailable Pb suggests a potential risk of exerting toxic effects to the environment and marine biota, since this metal can be very easily consumed by the benthic organisms living in this zone.

位于墨西哥湾韦拉克鲁斯沿海地区的国家公园韦拉克鲁斯珊瑚礁系统 (PNSAV) 受到人为和自然影响的高度影响。在这项研究中，我们分析了在韦拉克鲁斯礁石系统 (VRS) 的 18 个地点（约 8-9 m 水深）回收的沉积物中 Cd 和 Pb 含量的总和生物可利用部分。在 VRS 中发现了 Cd 和 Pb 含量的富集，这表明该地区发生了各种人为活动。在 Rizo 礁中观察到的 Cd 总分数超过了对海洋生物和人类健康有潜在毒性的中程效应 (ERM)。在 PNSAV 北部的 Gallega 和 Galleguilla 珊瑚礁中观察到高 Cd 生物可利用分数，但它们没有超过 ERM 和低范围效应 (ERL) 值。然而，