Abstract: The distribution and enrichment of the heavy metals in surface sediments nearby Hebao Island, Pearl River Estuary were studied, the correlation among the heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr) and the contents of TOC in the surface sediments were also analyzed. In addition, the method of potential ecological risk index presented by Lars Hakanson was used to assess the heavy metals' ecological risk. The results show that the contents of Cd, Hg, Cr and As appear higher nearby Hebao Island, while those of Zn, Pb and Cu has no apparent rule. The order of the enrichment of heavy metals is Cd＞Zn＞Cu＞Hg＞As＞Cr＞Pb. The correlation analysis indicates that Cu significantly correlated with Zn, while As, Hg, Cr and Cd all have highly significant correlation; the organic matter is an important influencing factor of the migration and transformation of heavy metals.The assessment results of heavy metals' ecological risk reveal that Cd and Hg belong to middle potential ecological risk, while other heavy metals belong to light potential ecological risk. The order of potential ecological risk factors is Cd＞Hg＞As＞Pb＞Cu＞Cr＞Zn.

Key words: Hebao Island, surface sediment, potential ecological risk evaluation