A presampling of physical and biological media at preselected locations on the Great Smoky Mountains Biosphere Reserve was completed. The media collected, which included air, water, soils, litter, and various plant species, were used to determine elemental concentrations and to help in the design of an efficient and cost-effective monitoring system. The results showed that air concentrations of trace elements were below detectable limits. Indications of organic air contaminants were evident. A number of compounds such as zinc, toluene, and methylene chloride were found in water. In addition, dimethyl hexene, ethyl benzene, and phthalate esters are suspected water contaminants. Analytical results of the vegetation, soils, and litter showed a variety of elemental contamination. The concentration of lead in the litter layer at four sampling sites ranged from 246 to 469 ppm. These data, similar to those reported by other researchers showed that lead levels increased with altitude. Based upon a field sampling error of plus or minus 10 percent at the 95 percent confidence level, the number of samples required to satisfy this condition, based upon the samples/element combination, was calculated.

"November 1979." Includes bibliographical references (pages 44-46).