Abstract: To identify the source of soil heavy metal pollution in Leping City, Jiangxi Province, and scientifically formulate an efficient diagnostic technique for soil heavy metal source-sink, the pollution status, ecological risk, and source of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni in the sediments of the river system in the 20th century were studied.The potential ecological risk of heavy metals in stream sediments was evaluated using the soil accumulation index, potential ecological risk index, and potential biological toxicity effect.The correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and PMF model were used for source analysis.The results showed that:(1) the average values of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni were 0.15,68.07,25.35,66.84,23.98,and 25.59 mg/kg, respectively.Except for Zn, the average contents of other elements exceeded the background values of Chinese stream sediments.Except for Pb and Zn, the average content of other elements exceeded the soil background value of Jiangxi Province.The distribution areas of high values of 6 kinds of heavy metals were basically the same, mainly distributed in the northeast of the study area.(2) Soil accumulation index and potential ecological risk index showed that Cd and Cu contributed more.The results of the potential biotoxicity evaluation showed that Ni contributed more.The results of the principal component analysis and PMF model are consistent, and the results show that the 6 heavy metals are mainly from natural sources and controlled by local parent materials.Cd and Cu are the main factors causing environmental risks and need to be paid more attention to.The research results can provide a reference for the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution, water environment, and soil scientific management in this area.