Abstract: In order to understand the distribution and pollution situation of heavy metals in the sediments of Daya Bay, the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn and Cu in the surface layer of sediments in Daya Bay were investigated in August 2016. Correlation analysis was carried out between heavy metal contents and the physical and chemical parameters of the sediments, such as grain size, contents of Mn, Fe and TOC. Results indicated that distributions of heavy metals in the sediments basically had a pattern of lower concentrations in the Bay central than the coastal, which indicated that terrigenous input was a main source. Moreover, due to intensive human activities, higher concentrations of heavy metals were found near Aotou Bay and Fanhe Port. Overall, most of heavy metals in the surface sediments of Daya Bay meet the first class of the national standard of marine sediment quality. characterizing a low risk level of heavy metal pollution. The results of correlation analysis showed that heavy metals in surface sediments of Daya Bay were rather influenced by the weathering and erosion of rocks, industrial sewage discharge and marine aquaculture. The binding of Cu and oxide of Fe and Mn is weaker than other form of bindings. Thus, metallic copper sulfide may be formed after Cu being adsorbed by sediments in reducing environment, which is why much higher content of Cu observed near Xizhou Island. Plankton growths, as the main source of organic matter in the Bay, had great influence on the contents of Cr, Zn and Pb in the sediments. Besides, Cr, As and Pb were mainly combined with silt while Zn was mainly combined with clay.