The study analyzed sediment samples from the Ruxi River to understand the distribution and risk of heavy metals. Results showed high levels of metals exceeding background values, with a trend of decreasing concentrations from human-influenced areas to natural river reaches. The backwater zone had lower metal levels, suggesting other sources. Metal concentrations decreased with sediment depth. Cd and Zn pollution was found, with Ni posing potential toxic effects. Other metals had lower probabilities of toxicity. Overall, the sediments in the Ruxi River pose a moderate risk of adverse effects from multiple metals.