Sediment pollution in the Yangtze River affects fish through the food chain. Heavy metals like Cr, Cd, Hg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb were studied in water, sediment, and fish/invertebrates from 2006-2007. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in sediment than in water, with benthic invertebrates having the highest concentrations. Phytoplanktivore fish had the lowest metal concentrations, while benthic invertivore fish had medium concentrations. Cu, Zn, and Fe were more concentrated than Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr in tissue samples. Metal concentrations were lower in river sediment compared to lake sediment, but higher in river water compared to lake water. Pollution effects from sediment can last longer than water pollution events due to metal accumulation in the food chain. Metals were most concentrated in bottom materials, followed by benthic fish and animals, then middle and upper layer fish, and finally flowing water.