Six elements (Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Zn) in twelve sediment samples from Lake Xuanwu were studied by BCR sequential extraction method to obtain their distribution features in this region and the data were analyzed with Factorial Analysis method.The results showed that the metal concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn in some sediments of Lake Xuanwu exceeded the background levels, revealing slight pollution, which were affected by the geological setting and the anthropogenic input.Metals detected was mainly associated with the residual fraction in the lake, and the oxidable fraction was followed.The acid soluble fraction of Pb, Zn had higher percentages in total contents than other four metals, so their potential risk to aquatic organisms must be considered.