The runoff rates of copper. zinc, nickel and tin were studied in a French industrial area for 161 days. The mass variation of the metallic coupons and the adherent corrosion layers were analysed at different time intervals, using a multianalytical approach. Atmospheric corrosion of copper is associated with the formation of a corrosion layer which is partly soluble in water, mainly composed of cuprite and basic copper sulphate salts. The corrosion of zinc is accompanied by the formation of a corrosion layer, partly soluble, containing mainly basic zinc carbonate and basic zinc sulphate salts. The behaviour of nickel exposed in an unsheltered atmosphere is characterised by a pitting corrosion process. Soluble Corrosion salts Such as nickel sulphates, chlorides and nitrates, formed during relative dry periods, are totally dissolved during rainfall events. The corrosion product of tin has been identified as a poorly crystallised hydrated stannic oxide. Depending oil the solubility of corrosion products, the runoff rates appear to be different for these metals in the following order: zinc > copper > nickel > tin. Tin runoff rate is insignificant because of the insoluble corrosion products formed on the surface. This paper sets out a comparison between metal ions and anionic species found in the runoff water at various collecting period. The results revealed the runoff amount of copper, zinc and nickel released mainly from the dissolution of soluble sulphate compounds present in the Corrosion layers. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.