Objective:

To obtain a first indication of the distribution and extent of manganese (Mn) contamination in Mexico City. Mn concentration and load in street dust were analyzed in order to reveal the most contaminated areas.

Materials and methods:

482 samples of street dust were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The contamination factor (CF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the spatial interpolations of the kriging indicator were calculated.

Results:

A slight influence of anthropogenic activities is detected on the Mn content of street dust. The highest levels of pollution by concentration (Igeo=uncontaminatedtomoderately contaminated) are grouped towards the city’s north (industrial) and center (commercial and high traffic) areas. The areas with the highest Mn load were located towards the east and northwest areas (Igeo=moderately contaminated).

Conclusions:

These findings will serve as a baseline to assess future variations in Mn content in Mexico City’s environment.