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Abstract
Beginning with the introduction of tetraethyllead (TEL) as an antiknock agent in gasoline in 1923, consumption of Pb alkyls in the U.S. peaked in 1969. Although only Pb‐free gasoline may now be used as an automobile fuel in the U.S., leaded gasoline is still used as both an aviation and automobile fuel in many countries of the world. Over the past 20 years, there has been increased concern about possible contamination of soil and groundwater due to use of leaded gasoline and the improper disposal of leaded gasoline sludge. Disposal of lead‐containing fuel sludge in unlined pits was a common practice for many years. In order to assess the potential for Pb alkyl contamination in the environment, this review was undertaken with emphasis on the following areas: (1) abiotic and biotic decomposition of Pb alkyl compounds; (2) sorption, mobility, and transport of Pb alkyl compounds in soil‐water systems; (3) toxicity of Pb alkyl compounds; and (4) methods for determining Pb alkyl content of water, soil, and sediment systems. Suggested areas for future research are also discussed.