Abstract In this paper, the heavy metal content in the surface sediment of 20 sampling points in Wolong Lake of Shenyang was analyzed. The accumulation degree and potential risk of heavy metal pollution in the sediment were evaluated by the geological accumulation index and potential ecological risk index. The results showed that the order of the six heavy metals accumulation index was Cd> Zn > Ni > Cr> Cu > Pb. According to the relevant evaluation standards, the main heavy metal pollutant in the sediment was Cd, and the risk order of ecological hazards was Cd> Ni > Cu > Zn = Pb> Cr. The evaluation of potential ecological risk index showed that the risk level of heavy metals in the sediment of Wolong Lake was low.