The distribution of inorganic and organic lead species in atmospheric and surface waters from the Sibenik area (central part of the Eastern Adriatic coast) was investigated. The concentration range of lead compounds in rainwater was 12,000 to 57,000 ng Pb L-1 for total lead, and 10 to 96 ng Pb L-1 for ionic alkyllead compounds (mostly in the form of trialkyl derivatives). In seawater, trialkyllead compounds were detected in concentration from <0.5 to 12.5 ng Pb-1 L, which represented 0.5 to 6.8% of the total lead. These results were compared with data obtained elsewhere, and the influence of lead compounds emitted from leaded gasoline (from automobiles and gasoline stations) on the adjacent water body is elucidated.