Abstract:Taking section from Heyanqiao to Xiangyanghu of Pingshui River as research object, surface water samples were collected from the chosen 21 sampling points. Firstly, spatial pollution characteristics of 10 heavy metals in water body were analyzed, and then correlation between heavy metals was analyzed by multivariate statistical method, finally, health risk assessment model recommended by USEPA was used to evaluate health risk of heavy metals via route of water consumption for adults and children. The results show that the maximum values of V, Fe, and Mn all exceed the water quality standard of "Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard GB 3838—2002" Class Ⅲ with the maximum exceeding rate as high as 2.3 times, and heavy metals are listed in order according average concentrations: Fe>Mn>V>Zn>Mo>As>Cu>Cd>Pb>Cr. From perspective of spatial distribution characteristics, heavy metals are mostly concentrated in upstream and downstream of study area, which are significantly affected by human, industrial and agricultural activities. There are significant correlations between Cu and Fe, Cu and Cr, Fe and Mn, As and V, and their correlation coefficients are 0.704, 0.677, 0.671 and 0.440, respectively, it indicates that two of them have the same source or similar conversion process. Mo and Cu, Mo and Cr are negatively significantly correlated, and their correlation coefficients are -0.51 and -0.44, indicating that two of them may have different sources or mutual inhibition. Total health risks of adults and children are greater than the maximum acceptable risk level 1.0×10-6, and carcinogenic risk of pollutants is 3 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than the non-carcinogenic risk. Total health risks are mainly contributed by Cr, As, and Cd, and health risks of children are higher than adult. To accurately quantify impact on human health of heavy metals in surface water, reasonable values and localization of model parameters are the key elements, particularly children should be classified into different age groups to assess health risk. This research results can provide reference for research and prevention of heavy metal pollution in watershed.