湘西河流表层沉积物重金属污染特征及其潜在生态毒性风险

花垣河和峒河是湘西地区受到锰矿和铅锌矿生产影响严重的两条河流。通过表层沉积物采样分析了Cd、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr、Zn和Mn的总量,根据BCR连续提取程序分析沉积物样品中重金属的地球化学赋存形态,采用内梅罗指数法和地积累指数法评价了沉积物重金属污染特征,根据重金属的富集程度探讨了重金属污染来源,采用淡水生态系统沉积物质量基准(SQGs,TEL/PEL)和毒性单位评价了花垣河和峒河沉积物中重金属元素的生态毒性风险。结果表明,花垣河和峒河绝大多数位点的表层沉积物中Cd、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr、Zn和Mn的总量高于参照点,形成严重的复合污染,花垣河沉积物中重金属的污染水平明显高于峒河,但沿程变化规律不明显,而峒河沉积物中重金属的沿程变化较有规律,即上游含量低,中下游含量较高。两条河流表层沉积物中富集程度居前列的均为Cd、Pb、Zn和Mn。花垣河和峒河沉积物重金属污染主要来源于矿业生产所产生废渣和废水的点排放。在花垣河和峒河的大多数位点,Cd、Pb和Mn的形态具有共同特征,其生物可利用态均较大程度地超过生物不可利用态,而且Mn和Cd的生物可直接利用态所占比例远高于其它重金属,而Cu和Cr的生物可直接利用态所占比例很低。花垣河沉积物中Cd、Pb和Zn在所有位点极大地超过PEL,在峒河中下游,Cd、Pb、Ni和Zn超过PEL,具有较大的潜在生物毒性。除上游S1位点外,花垣河的其余各位点都具有明显的急性毒性,峒河中下游各位点具有明显的急性毒性,这些河段需要重点治理。     

渭河陕西段沉积物重金属空间分布及来源解析

为了了解渭河陕西段河道沉积物重金属空间分布特征,本研究对渭河陕西段干流及其支流17个采样点沉积物中的10种重金属元素(Cd、Sb、As、Co、Cu、Pb、Ni、Cr、Zn、Mn)含量进行测定及来源辨析。结果表明: 重金属元素Cd、Sb、As、Co、Cu、Pb、Ni、Cr、Zn、Mn的平均含量分别为0.10、1.24、11.73、11.95、24.90、24.91、29.31、54.18、72.74、626.85 mg·kg^-1, 除Cd的变异系数大于1以外,其他元素的变异系数均低于0.5。其中,Cd、Pb、Cr含量于灞河入渭处达到峰值,Co和Mn在黑河入渭处达到峰值,Cu和Zn在清姜河入渭处达到峰值, Sb、As和Ni分别于沙王渡、咸阳铁桥和林家村处达到峰值。相关性分析、主成分分析和聚类分析表明,Cd、Co、Cu、Pb、Ni、Cr、Zn、Mn主要来源于以工业源和生活源为主的污染源;Sb、As主要来源于农业和地球化学污染源。     

应用碳氮同位素技术研究重金属在大亚湾食物网中的累积

大亚湾是受人类活动影响严重的典型亚热带半封闭海湾,长期受到重金属污染的压力,但是重金属在大亚湾生态系统中的累积情况尚不清楚.于2015年夏、冬两季(6月和12月)分别采集海水、沉积物和生物样品(包括浮游生物、游泳生物、底栖生物),在通过稳定同位素(δ¹³C和δ¹⁵N)构建大亚湾食物网结构的基础上,分析重金属(Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Ag、Cd和Pb)在大亚湾食物网中的累积和传递特征.结果表明:大亚湾生物体的主要物质来源于海洋,但也受到淡水输入的影响;大亚湾生态系统的食物链长度较短,最高营养级为3.48;高级捕食者鱼类在夏季摄食广泛,而冬季偏向于底栖食性.大亚湾环境和生物体内重金属浓度整体符合国家标准,仅发现个别站位海水中Zn和Pb超出第一类海水水质标准,口虾蛄和断脊口虾蛄体内Cd超过农产品安全标准.Cr、Co、Ni、Zn、Cd、Pb在夏、冬两季沿着食物链的传递其生物累积水平显著降低;Cu在夏季沿着食物链的传递其生物累积水平显著降低,冬季有降低趋势但不显著;Ag与营养级之间并没有显著相关性,但在甲壳动物中有生物放大的潜能.研究表明大亚湾生态系统中重金属基本处于正常状态,而Zn、Ag、Cd、Pb等重金属需要进一步关注.     

铜尾矿区土壤与凤丹植株重金属富集研究

对安徽铜陵铜尾矿区凤丹种植地的土壤和凤丹中重金属污染状况进行了研究.结果表明,尾矿库区种植地极端贫瘠,有机质含量仅1.1～3.4g·kg^-1,而土壤Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn含量皆高于对照土壤,其中Cu含量达587.43～1176.44mg·kg^-1,Cd含量达3.08～5.16mg·kg^-1,约达国家土壤二级标准的10倍.凤丹各部位的Cu、Cd和Pb含量均超过了药用植物的限量标准,尤其是根皮部位Cu含量达31.50～64.00mg·kg^-1,Cd含量达0.98～1.45mg·kg^-1,超出标准1.6～3.6倍,表明种植地和凤丹都受到严重污染.凤丹不同部位中的Zn、Cd、Pb和Cu分别以茎、叶、叶和根皮中的含量最高.凤丹对Cd、Zn的富集比Cu和Pb高,但在根皮中的富集系数均较小.     

贵州阿哈水库不同季节水体和沉积物重金属分布特征及污染评价

探讨湖库不同季节水体和沉积物中重金属的分布特征并对其进行污染评价,有助于深入理解湖库环境重金属污染的时空动态演化及其环境效应.对贵州阿哈水库不同季节水体和沉积物中8种重金属的深度分布特征及其污染评价进行了分析.阿哈水库水体重金属含量排序为Ni＞As＞Zn＞Cu＞Cr＞Co＞Pb＞Cd.夏秋季节缺氧的底层水体重金属含量增...     

北京市南沙河沉积物重金属污染特征及风险评价

北京南沙河是海淀北部地区的重要排水和风景观赏性河道,为全面了解南沙河底泥沉积物中重金属的污染特征,采集了表层沉积物样品,分析了重金属元素的含量和形态,并利用单因子指数法、Hakanson综合污染指数法和潜在生态风险指数法对沉积物重金属进行了生态风险评价.结果表明:南沙河表层沉积物各种重金属元素存在较好的同源性,污染程度为:Cr＞Cd＞Zn＞Cu＞Pb＞Ni.基于单项潜在生态风险指数的评价表明,该区域重金属生态风险等级由强至弱依次为:Cd＞Pb＞Cu≈Cr＞Ni≈Zn,其中,仅Cd具有较高的潜在生态风险,综合潜在生态风险指数表明,除了京藏高速桥河段危害等级较高外,南沙河总体处于轻微的生态风险等级.形态分析表明,Cd的酸提取态含量高,迁移性最强,最容易对生物造成直接危害,其次是Pb和Zn,Cu和Ni具有一定程度的潜在环境危害,Cr产生环境危害的可能性较小.     

海口城市地表水体重金属的空间分布特征及环境质量评估

城市地表水中重金属污染备受关注。通过研究海口市地表水体6 种重金属(Cd、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn 和As)的空间分布特征, 并采用中国水体环境质量标准对水体环境质量进行评估。结果表明, 海口城市地表水体中重金属平均含量分别为Cu 7.4 μg·L–1、Pb 0.1 μg·L–1、Zn 15 μg·L–1、Cd 0.52 μg·L–1、As 2.6 μg·L–1 和Ni 7.0 μg·L–1。海口市地表水体重金属As、Cu、Ni 的含量受水体pH、温度和电导率的影响。从空间分布来看, 海口市区水体中Cu、Ni 元素含量明显低于周边水体, 其他重金属空间分布无明显规律。从水体质量评估结果来看, 海口城市地表水体重金属含量均符合中国水质标准(GB 3838-2002)I 类水质的限值规定。     

东苕溪沉积物重金属生态风险评价和源解析

由于重金属毒性大, 且易在食物链中富集, 沉积物中的重金属会对水体生态环境造成严重污染, 因此对东苕溪23个采样点表层沉积物中主要的重金属As、Cd、Co、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn、Mn和Ni含量及分布特征进行研究, 分析各种重金属来源, 并对重金属污染状况进行生态风险评价。结果表明: 东苕溪沉积物重金属平均浓度Mn>Pb> Zn> Cr> As> Cu> Ni> Co> Cd, As、Cd、Co、Cu、Pb、Zn和Mn的平均浓度均高于它们的环境背景值。多元统计分析结果表明沉积物中Cd、Co、Cr、Mn和Ni可能来源于自然环境, Cu、Pb 和Zn可能来源于生活污水和工业废水的排放, Pb还源于交通工具尾气和柴油机械排放的废弃物, As主要来源于农业活动, 例如化肥和农药的使用。地积累指数法和潜在生态危害评价法的结果表明, 东苕溪沉积物中的重金属整体上呈现中等的潜在生态危害, 东苕溪沉积物中的主要污染物为As和Cd, 由于东苕溪流域散布着大量的农田和一些工业园区, 农田中使用的肥料农药和工业活动中排放的废弃物是造成As和Cd含量高的原因。     

上海市中小型河道沉积物和水生植物中重金属累积特征研究

采用野外调查和室内分析相结合的方法,以上海市8个区县25条中小型河道为研究对象,调查研究重金属在沉积物和水生植物中累积特征,采用潜在生态风险指数评价法对沉积物重金属污染进行了评价,采用生物富集系数(BCF)方法评价不同水生植物对重金属的富集特性,对水生植物与沉积物中的重金属含量进行相关性分析。分析表明,与土壤环境质量国家二级标准(GB15618-1995)相比,As、Ni和Zn平均含量是标准的6.7倍、1.5倍和1.4倍,Cd、Pb、Cu、Cr平均含量不超标。参照上海市土壤环境背景值,上海市中小型河道沉积物中7种重金属的潜在生态风险依次为：Cdgt;Asgt;Pbgt;Nigt;Cugt;Zngt;Cr,其中Cd、As生态风险严重,7种潜在生态风险Ri平均值为431.43,有强生态风险。植物体内累积最高的重金属为Cu,累积最低的重金属为Cd,沉水植物体内重金属Cd、As、Cr、Pb、Ni、Cu的含量均大于挺水植物,沉水植物苦草和水盾草对多种重金属的富集能力大于1,在重金属复合污染水体修复中具有较大潜力。根据植物体与沉积物中重金属的含量关系,发现黑藻与沉积物中重金属Cu、Ni、Pb的含量显著正相关;水盾草与沉积物中重金属Cu含量显著正相关,芦苇与沉积物中重金属Cr的含量显著正相关,上述3种植物可作为上海市河道重金属污染监测植物的选择对象。     

上海市中小型河道沉积物和水生植物中重金属累积特征研究

采用野外调查和室内分析相结合的方法,以上海市8个区县25条中小型河道为研究对象,调查研究重金属在沉积物和水生植物中累积特征,采用潜在生态风险指数评价法对沉积物重金属污染进行了评价,采用生物富集系数(BCF)方法评价不同水生植物对重金属的富集特性,对水生植物与沉积物中的重金属含量进行相关性分析。分析表明,与土壤环境质量国家二级标准(GB15618-1995)相比,As、Ni和Zn平均含量是标准的6.7倍、1.5倍和1.4倍,Cd、Pb、Cu、Cr平均含量不超标。参照上海市土壤环境背景值,上海市中小型河道沉积物中7种重金属的潜在生态风险依次为:CdAsPbNiCuZnCr,其中Cd、As生态风险严重,7种潜在生态风险Ri平均值为431.43,有强生态风险。植物体内累积最高的重金属为Cu,累积最低的重金属为Cd,沉水植物体内重金属Cd、As、Cr、Pb、Ni、Cu的含量均大于挺水植物,沉水植物苦草和水盾草对多种重金属的富集能力大于1,在重金属复合污染水体修复中具有较大潜力。根据植物体与沉积物中重金属的含量关系,发现黑藻与沉积物中重金属Cu、Ni、Pb的含量显著正相关;水盾草与沉积物中重金属Cu含量显著正相关,芦苇与沉积物中重金属Cr的含量显著正相关,上述3种植物可作为上海市河道重金属污染监测植物的选择对象。     

Contamination and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in marine sediments from Tahaddart estuary (NW of Morocco)

Abstract

The distribution, contamination status, and ecological risks of heavy metals in Tahaddart estuary were investigated. 24 surface sediment samples and two cores were collected and analyzed for major (Al and Fe), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and grain size composition. The heavy metals assessment was carried out using different environmental indices. The results indicated that the spatial distribution patterns of Al, Fe, and Zn were mainly determined by the distribution of the finer grained fraction (<63?μm) in the sediment. In contrast, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations were controlled by anthropogenic activities (vehicular traffic from Highway Bridge and thermal power plant). The distribution of heavy metals in sediment cores showed an upward enrichment in heavy metals with high concentration found in the uppermost may related to the increasing in human activities. The pollution indexes confirmed that the Tahaddart estuary sediment was considerably to high contaminated by heavy metals near to different anthropogenic inputs. Similarly, the potential ecological risk index and the biological risk index present 21% probability of toxicity posing potential risk to the aquatic organisms. These results provide basic information that can be used to protect and improve the quality of this ecosystem.     

Distribution,speciation, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Jiaozhou Bay,China

This paper analyzed the distribution and speciation of seven heavy metals in sediments in Jiaozhou Bay. The ecological risk was assessed using three index approaches (i.e., risk assessment code (RAC), contamination factor (CF), and potential ecological risk index (PERI)) and by a comparison with sediment quality guidelines (Chinese Marine Sediment Quality Standards (CMSQS), and threshold effect level (TEL) and probable effect level (PEL) from the USEPA). Pb, Cr, As, Cu, Zn, and Hg contents at most sites were above the corresponding TEL and Class I criteria (CMSQS) value. Particularly, high contents of Cu, detected at sites S₇ (124.5 mg kg^?1) and S₈ (118.3 mg kg^?1), exceeded the respective PEL value, indicating that harmful biological effects might occur. Speciation analysis, individual CF, and RAC calculations suggested that Cd had the highest bioavailable fraction and thus posed a very high risk to aquatic ecosystem; Cu and Zn showed a medium–high risk. Both global CF and PERI analysis indicated a high pollution risk at sites S₇, S₁, S₃, and S₂, but the assessments of specific sites were different. The incomplete consistency suggested that it is necessary to consider both total contents and chemical speciation for providing a more realistic appraisal for the risk of heavy metals in sediments.     

A new index for assessing heavy metals contamination in sediments: A case study

In this study, heavy metals contamination in surface sediments of northwest Persian Gulf was investigated and a new index was formulated for assessing severity of heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments. The surface sediment samples were collected from 45 stations. The concentrations of 8 metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd and V) were analyzed. According to the results of potential ecological risk index (RI), pollution load index (PLI) and modified degree of contamination (mCD), based on the average shale, considerable and intense pollution of heavy metals in sediments of study area was not observed. Based on the sediments quality guidelines the concentration of Ni at whole study area has frequently adverse biological effect on aquatic organisms. The mean effects range-median quotient indicated that surface sediments in the vicinity of petrochemical zone and Bahrekan pier with 49% probability of toxicity can be risky for the biota. The Consequence of the cluster analysis and principal component analysis/factor analysis indicated that Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr are mainly originated from natural sources and Ni, Pb, Cd and V are mostly derived from anthropogenic sources. Results of introduced index in this research (Contamination Severity Index) demonstrated that pollution of heavy metals in sediments at several sites is very intense. Assessment of results illustrated that proposed index is more reliable and logical compared with other investigated indices for evaluating heavy metals pollution in sediments of aquatic environments.     

Heavy metals in wetland soils along a wetland-forming chronosequence in the Yellow River Delta of China: Levels,sources and toxic risks

Surface soil (0–20 cm) samples were collected from four chronological sequences of wetlands (i.e., >50-yr-old wetlands, 40-yr-old wetlands, 30-yr-old wetlands and 10-yr-old wetlands) in the Yellow River Delta of China in May and June of 2007. Total contents of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AAS) to investigate the levels, sources and toxic risks of heavy metals in these wetlands. Our results showed an increasing trend for Pb, Cu and Zn along the wetland-forming chronosequence although their pollution levels were low. Both As and Cd exhibited significant enrichment due to their high enrichment factor (EF) values (EF > 5), especially in older wetlands (i.e., >50-yr-old and 40-yr-old wetlands), whereas other heavy metals were minimally or moderately enriched in this region. The results of principal component analysis showed that 83.09% of total variance based on eigenvalues (eigenvalue > 1) could be explained by three principal components (PCs) in four wetlands. The source of Al, Cu, Pb and Zn was different from Cd, Cr and Ni. According to the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) of China, soil samples in the younger wetlands, especially the 10-yr-old wetlands, were moderately polluted by As, Cd and Ni. According to the SQGs of US EPA, all soil samples were heavily polluted by As and moderately polluted by Ni and soil samples in the older wetlands were moderately polluted by Cr. However, with the exception of As and Ni, the contents of other heavy metals in the four wetlands did not exceed the probable effect level (PEL) values. As, Cd and Ni were identified as heavy metals of primary concerns in four wetlands, Cr were of moderate concern in older wetlands, and Pb, Cu and Zn should be paid more attention in younger wetland (i.e., 10-yr-old and 30-yr-old wetlands). A new and sensitive toxic risk index (TRI) is developed for the accurate assessment of toxic risk for heavy metals in wetland soils compared with the sum of the toxic units (∑TUs), and As, Cr, Ni and Cd showed higher contributions to TRI.     

土壤重金属污染对蚯蚓的急性毒性效应研究

测定了草甸棕壤条件下 ,Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd单一 /复合污染对蚯蚓的急性致死及亚致死效应 .结果表明 ,Cu、Pb浓度与蚯蚓死亡率显著相关 (α=0 .0 5 ,RCu=0 .86 ,RPb=0 .87) ,Cu浓度与生长抑制率显著相关 (α=0 .0 5 ,RCu=0 .84) ,其他供试重金属浓度与蚯蚓死亡率和生长抑制率相关性不显著 .蚯蚓个体对重金属毒性的耐受程度差别较大 .其毒性阈值 (引起个体蚯蚓死亡浓度 )分别为 :Cu 30 0mg·kg-1,Zn 130 0mg·kg-1,Pb 170 0mg·kg-1,Cd 30 0mg·kg-1.LC50 分别为 :Cu 40 0～ 45 0mg·kg-1,Zn15 0 0～ 190 0mg·kg-1,Pb2 35 0～ 2 40 0mg·kg-1,Cd 90 0mg·kg-1.在Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd单一污染引起 >10 %蚯蚓死亡的浓度下 ,复合污染导致 10 0 %蚯蚓死亡 ,表明复合污染极强的协同效应 .     

赣江上游沉积物重金属空间分布及污染特征

为了解赣江上游表层沉积物重金属污染特征,采集赣江上游38个样品,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(ICP-MS,Agilent 8800)分析沉积物中重金属含量,结合内梅罗综合污染指数法、地累积指数法、主成分分析及沉积物质量基准等研究赣江上游沉积物中重金属污染程度,分析污染物可能的来源及评价其存在的生态风险。结果表明:赣江上游沉积物中W、Cr、Mn、Cu、Zn、As、Cd、Hg、Pb等9种重金属的平均含量分别为12.30、4.40、999.84、9.72、293.81、47.66、2.85、1.34、63.68 mg·kg-1;除Cr和Cu外,其余7种重金属的平均值均超过江西省土壤背景值。内梅罗综合污染评价表明,赣江上游表层沉积物中47.37%的采样点呈严重污染,28.95%采样点污染明显,其中污染程度章水段>桃江段>贡江段;地积累指数法显示,Mn、As、W、Pb呈轻度污染,Cd和Hg呈中度或偏重度污染;主成分分析显示,As、W、Hg、Pb具有相似的污染源,Cr和Mn具有相似的污染源;沉积物质量基准分析表明,对底栖生物可能产生毒性效应的重金属主要是Cd和Hg,主要分布在章水段和桃...     

6种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性效应与风险评价

【背景】近年来,土壤重金属污染问题日益凸显,对生态环境、食品安全和人体健康构成了严重威胁,其急性毒性尚未明确。【方法】采用滤纸接触法和人工土壤法测定了铜(Cu2+)、锌(Zn2+)、镍(Ni+)、镉(Cd2+)、铅(Pb2+)和锰(Mn2+)等6种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性效应,并参照欧盟指令91/414/EEC标准评价了其环境风险。【结果】滤纸接触法48h测定结果表明,6种重金属对蚯蚓的LC50为3.17(2.53～3.81)～90.42(69.45～140.47)μg.cm-2,其毒性次序为Cu2+>Zn2+>Ni+>Cd2+>Pb2+>Mn2+。人工土壤法14d测定结果表明,6种重金属对蚯蚓的LC50为1347(1236～1453)～6936(6144～8930)mg.kg-1,其毒性次序为Cu2+>Cd2+>Ni+>Zn2+>Mn2+>Pb2+。风险评价结果显示,Cu2+、Zn2+、Ni+、Cd2+、Pb2+和Mn2+等6种重金属的暴露比(toxicity/exposureratio,TER)分别为3.37、4.46、8.68、1428、13.87和5.85。【结论与意义】6种重金属对土壤动物蚯蚓均具有潜在的毒性效应。Cu2+、Zn2+、Ni+、Mn2+等4种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓存在急性毒性风险,而Cd2+和Pb2+对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性风险水平是可接受的。该评价结果可为我国制定基于风险的土壤环境质量标准提供依据。     

Sediment toxicity and heavy metals in the Kattegat and Skaggerak

Superficial (0 to 2 cm) sediments were sampled from 62 sites in Kattegat and Skagerrak during autumn 1989 and spring 1990, tested for toxicity to Daphnia magna and Nitocra spinipes (Crustacea) and analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, N, Pb, Zn), nutrients (N and P) and organic carbon. Whole sediment toxicity to Nitocra spinipes, expressed as 96-h LC50, ranged from 1.8 to > > 32 percent sediment (wet wt), which is equivalent to 0.63 to 53 percent dry wt. Sediment total metal concentrations (mg kg^-1 dry wt) ranged from 0.01 to 0.32 for Cd, 8 to 57 for Cr, 3 to 40 for Cu, 0.03 to 0.86 for Hg, 3 to 43 for Ni, 6 to 37 for Pb and 21 to 156 for Zn. Analyzed concentrations of heavy metals were tested for correlation with whole sediment toxicity normalized to dry wt, and significant correlations (Spearman p<0.05) were found for Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Ni. However, the analyzed concentrations of these metals were below the spiked sediment toxicity of these heavy metals to N. spinipes, except for Cr and Zn for which analyzed maximum concentrations approached the 96-h spiked sediment LC50s. There was no improvement in correlation between the sum of heavy metal concentrations normalized to their spiked toxic concentrations (Toxic Unit approach) and the whole sediment toxicity. Calculated heavy-metal-derived toxicity based on toxic units and whole sediment toxicity ranged from 0.1 to 24 (mean value 2.3 and SD 4.2). Theoretically, a value of 1.0 would explain whole sediment toxicity from measured metal concentrations using this approach. Thus, in spite of the fact that the total concentrations of the heavy metals were sufficient to cause toxicity based on an additive model for most of these sediments, the observed toxicity of the sediments from Kattegat and Skagerrak could not exclusively be explained by the concentrations of heavy metals, except for Cr and Zn at their maximum concentrations. Therefore, other pollutants than these heavy metals must also be considered as possible sediment toxicants.     

Assessment of Heavy Metal Enrichment,Bioavailability, and Controlling Factors in Sediments of Taihu Lake,China

Heavy metal distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk in the surface sediment of Taihu Lake were evaluated. Samples were collected from eight representative sites in September 2011 and February 2012. In the surface sediment, average metal contents were in the order of Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu. Spatially, Zhushan Bay maintained higher Cu, Ni, and Zn contents and Xiaomeikou maintained higher Cr and Pb contents than other sites. Spatial and temporal variation were observed in the bioavailable metals determined by acid-soluble fraction of BCR extraction. The labile metals in Zhushan Bay and Xiaomeikou were quantified by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) and DGT-labile concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cd were in descending order, indicating the inconsistence of labile concentrations of different heavy metals with the total metal contents and that the toxic effect of Cd in sediment should be given attention. The ecological risk assessed by Hakanson potential ecological risk index showed that Zhushan Bay suffered the most serious pollution and should be given special attention. Bioavailability of metals should be taken into account during risk assessment for more accurate estimation.