ABSTRACT: This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in surface soils of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, integrating geochemical, mineralogical, and magnetic analyses to identify contamination levels, spatial patterns, and potential health risks. Concentrations of Zn, V, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Co, Sb, and Cd frequently exceeded local geochemical background values, with V and Ni particularly elevated near the heavy fuel oil fired (CTPP) and heavy fuel oil/diesel (CCI) power plants, consistent with emissions from fuel combustion. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that point sources dominated the signatures of V and Ni, while diffuse sources, such as vehicular traffic, contributed to elevated Sb, Zn, and Cu, especially along highways and in
