The study looked at heavy metal levels in sediments and soils along the Yangtze River in Nanjing. They found that Cd and Pb were the most enriched metals in sediments, while Cd and Zn were more enriched in soils. Cd levels in the soil exceeded environmental standards. The researchers also found a strong link between heavy metal content and fine particles in the sediments, suggesting that fine particles play a key role in carrying heavy metals in the river.