Abstract: 27 sediment samples of Huaihe River (Anhui Section) were collected and the contents of 7 heavy metal elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, V, Mn) in the sediments were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The pollution degree of heavy metals was evaluated by the method of pollution load index (PLI) proposed by Tomlinson.The results show that the Anhui Section of Huaihe River is slightly polluted on the whole, with only the stretch from Fengtai to Huainan reaching a level of moderate pollution at the PLI value of 128. The degree of heavy metal pollution is in the descent order of Cr>Co>Mn=Cu>Pb>Zn>V. Among the 7 kinds of heavy metal elements, Cr is the main pollutant of Huaihe River (Anhui Section) whose concentration is 672 times higher than the background value. This may be due to coal mining and pollutants from the emissions of power plants in the region.

Key words: Huaihe River, sediment, heavy metal, pollution load index