Levels of Lead, Copper, and Zinc in the Forest Floor in the Northeastern United States

Abstract
Two‐hundred four quantitative samples of combined O1 and O2 horizons were collected from 51 forested sites from Virginia to Massachusetts and analyzed for lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Overall average quantities of Pb, Cu, and Zn were 1,234±100, 170±35, and 1,013±298 mg m−2, respectively. The data obtained represent a quantitative baseline against which future samples from the same sites can be compared in order to assess the role of the forest floor as a sink for these elements.