The content of heavy metals found in the soil is a priority in assessing soil quality and degradation status. Information about lead contamination in soils is scarce and limited in Panama. The work performed had the purpose of evaluating the lead content of soils used for agricultural and urban production which are adjacent to streets and highways in different areas of the country, in order to determine if there is contamination in them. Samples of soil were collected in ten (10) different areas nationwide (Volcan, Boquete, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences – Chiriquí Headquarters, Penonomé, El Ejido, San Martín, University of Panama – Headquarters Campus, Tocumen, Capira, Chepo). For chemical and physical parameters of the soil, samples were laid out to determine pH, texture, organic matter (OM), fertility, determination, and evaluation of lead in the collected soil. The data resulting from the determination of lead were compared with reference values obtained in the literature review. With regard to Lead levels, which are derived from the soils analyzed, they are in a range between 1-36.7 mg/Kg, being the ones located at the University of Panama- Central Campus, the highest levels; such levels are deemed to be related to the influence of two roads of circulation of vehicles adjacent to the point of sampling, and a greater vehicular capacity of the city with respect to the other points of sampling.
