Total levels and fractions of metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb) in sediments of the Bitter Lakes were attained and several indices and guidelines were used to evaluate pollution and potential risk.  Metal contents revealed a clear spatial distribution in the sediments mainly for Cr, Mn, and Ni which may be caused by human inputs of metals, and predominant physicochemical conditions and complex reactions proceeding in the sediments.  Sequential extractions showed that all metals were mostly composed of residual and Fe/Mn-oxide bound fractions.  All potential risk indices depended on the bioavailable fractions contents such as risk assessment code (RAC), individual contamination factor (ICF), and modified potential ecological risk factor ( 15Eri"> -A) proposed that Cd had the lowermost ecological concern, demonstrating slight reactivity in the lake ecosystem, and consequently presented a low risk. Whereas risk assessment indices dependent on the total metal contents represented by threshold and probable effect level (TEL-PEL approach) and potential ecological risk factor ( 15Eri"> ) designated that most Cd was in a highly individual potential ecological risk.  Numerous indices that estimated from the measurements of total and chemical fractions concentrations should be conducted to make the risk assessment procedures precise and consistent in the investigation of deposited metals.