Several subsurface soil and groundwater samples from eastern, southern and central Arkansas were analyzed for chlorinated organic compounds commonly used as pesticides and industrial chemicals. No significant amount of these compounds were found in these samples. The adsorption/partition characteristics of some of these compounds, such as dichlorophenols, aldrin and endrin, were determined in siltloam, sandyloam and clay soils collected from the above geographical locations. Results indicate that there is considerable difference in retention capability of different types of soils with respect to different pollutants. The partition coefficient of a particular compound in a certain type of soil can be related to both the pH and the organic matter content of the soil