About 360 samples from the mor layer of podsolized Swedish forest soils were analysed for HNO(sub 3) soluble Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, K and Na. The following median contents were found for the investigated heavy metals: Zn 55.2; Cu 6.29; Pb 41.3; Cr 2.52; Cd 0.64; Hg 0.233 and Mn 285 (mu)g/g (dw). The corresponding median quantities in the mor layer were: Zn 318; Cu 35.7; Pb 246; Cr 14.1; Cd 3.77; Hg 1.38 and Mn 1565 kg/km(sup 2). Based on the quartiles the contents and quantities per unit area of the analysed elements were depicted in maps of the sampled area. Concentrations of the investigated elements revealed local and regional deposition patterns better than the quantities including also the variation of the mor layer itself. Concentrations combined with quantities reveal the sensitivity of the soil to further exposition to the air pollutants. 92 refs., 32 figs., 4 tabs.