The concentrations of Cu,Pb,Zn,Cd and Hg in 12 surface sediments collected from surrounding areas of Hengqin Island were analyzed.The correlation analysis between heavy metals and total organic material was investigated and the potential ecological risk was assessed based on Hakansons potential ecological risk indices.The results showed that the concentration of Cu,Pb,Zn,Cd and Hg were(11.8~99.6)×10-6,(18.7~59.2)×10-6,(66.8~139.8)×10-6,(0.13~4.1)×10-6,(0.056~0.229)×10-6,and the average concentrations accordingly were 46.1×10-6,40.4×10-6,108.9×10-6,1.32×10-6and 0.149×10-6,respectively.The good positive correlations occurred between the heavy metals and total organic material.The good positive linear correlations also occurred among concentrations of Cu,Pb and Zn,but no significant correlation occurred among Cd,Hg and other heavy metals.The Hakansons potential ecological risk indices showed that concentrations of these heavy metals have a higher potential ecological risk in Modaomen water area northwest to Hengqin Island,have a middle potential ecological risk in Shizimen water area northeast to Hengqin Island,and have a low potential ecological risk in other water areas around Hengqin Island.The sequence in the degree of their potential ecological risks was: Cd>Hg>Pb> Cu>Zn.