Heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni) in the sediment from Huanghe River Estuary and the adjacent areas were analyzed using Model WFX-IA AAS. The eoneentrationsof these elements are: Cu 9-32ppm,Pb 24-44ppm,Zn 41-105ppm, Mn 500-700ppm, Fe 2.1-3.0%, Cr 50-71ppm, Ni 24-72ppm. There are relatively close correlations among the distribution of the heavy metals, suspended materials and salinity. The distribution of heavy metals in summer are similar to that in winter, except Pb. It is believed that the higher concentration results from the increasing of water discharge,silt content and the decreasing of particle size in the summer. Pb is easily absorbed and carried in the suspended materials,which, perhaps, is another reason that the concentration of Pb is higher in summer.
