Abstract: The Yangtze River Basin is a vast area connecting the western, central and eastern parts of China. In the context of global change, the industrialization and urbanization in this region are accelerating. Heavy metal pollution has been paid more and more attention. We summarized the current situation of heavy metal pollution in sediments and soils in the Yangtze River Basin, and the distribution pattern, characteristics of heavy metal pollution and sources of pollution. We discussed the migration patterns and existing forms of heavy metal and the possible effects of global changes on the distribution of heavy metals in the Yangtze River Basin. On this basis, we pointed out the deficiencies of current studies on heavy metals in sediments and soils of the Yangtze River Basin, and suggested a forecasting of future research.

Key words: sediment, soil, heavy metal pollution, global change, Yangtze River Basin.