What Is Manganese? A Guide to This Essential Nutrient

Manganese is a mineral that is found naturally in the environment and is one of the most abundant metals on the earth's surface, in air, water, and soil. It can be found in both groundwater and surface water from natural sources or as a result of human activity such as mining and industrial discharges.
 

Manganese is used in various industries, including the manufacture of iron and steel alloys, batteries, glass, fireworks, various cleaning supplies, fertilizers, varnish, fungicides, cosmetics, and livestock feeding supplements.

Drinking water can be a source of exposure to manganese. Elevated manganese concentrations can occur in municipal water as well as water from private wells. In general, manganese is more prevalent and found at higher concentrations in groundwater than surface water. Most exposure occurs from ingestion and not from bathing/showering.
 

Food is a significant source of exposure, but bioavailability (meaning the amount that your body absorbs) is greater from drinking water.