The researchers analyzed heavy metal concentrations in a polluted river in Tianjin using ICP-MS. They found that heavy metal levels varied greatly, with zinc, copper, chromium, lead, nickel, and molybdenum making up most of the metals present. These metals were mainly found in suspended particulates and sediment, with some being dissolved in the river water. The high ratio of metal concentrations in suspended particulates to sediment suggests recent wastewater discharge near certain sample sites. The distribution of heavy metals in the river water, suspended particulates, sediment, and soil was similar, indicating a transfer of metals between these compartments.