Abstract: An assessment of heavy metal contamination along the Taizi River in Liaoning Province was conducted. The contents of heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in sediment samples taken from 34 sampling cross-sections along the Taizi River were detected and analyzed. Geoaccumulation Index was employed to assess the heavy metal in sediments of Taizi River. The results revealed high contents of heavy metal in the sediments of upstream sections(Benxi urban area and partial sections of Shenwo Reservoir). Results of geoaccumulation indices showed that Cd accounts for the largest part of pollution, followed by Cu and Pb, whereas no Zn pollution was found. Compared with the situation a decade ago, the heavy metal contamination in the reach of Benxi urban area has been relieved on the whole. The results provide basis for the heavy metal treatment in the Taizi River. 

Key words: sediments in Taizi River, heavy metal contamination, Geoaccumulation Index