Abstract: In order to understand the pollution characteristics, ecological risk, and potential sources of heavy metals in surface sediments along coast of eastern Guangdong province, the contents of heavy metals (Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、Hg and As) in surface sediments along coast of eastern Guangdong province were analyzed, and the pollution status and potential ecological risk degree of heavy metals in the sediments were evaluated by geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index, The potential sources of heavy metal pollutants were analyzed by correlation analysis and principal component analysis combined with the characteristics of heavy metal emissions. The results showed that the contents of seven heavy metals all exceeded the background value at different degrees, and the estuary and its vicinity were the main enrichment areas for heavy metals. The results of geo-accumulation index showed that the pollution degree of heavy metals was Pb > Cu > Hg > Zn > Cr > As > Cd. The evaluation results of potential ecological hazard index showed that the heavy metals in the surface sediments of the coastal waters of eastern Guangdong are generally moderate ecological hazards, Hg and Cd are major contribution factors and monitoring should be strengthened. The comprehensive analysis shows that the heavy metals in surface sediments of coastal areas in eastern Guangdong province were mainly derived from e-waste dismantling, fossil fuel combustion, heavy metal enterprise emissions, agricultural production activities and ship emissions