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In this study, twelve surface water samples were taken covering all the directions of Poyang Lake, and the dissolved trace metal (Zn, Pb, Hg) concentrations were measured using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI) in order to evaluate spatial variations and health risks with the methods of single factor index and Nemerow pollution index. The following order Zn > Pb > Hg was observed for the concentrations of the heavy metals. The concentration of Hg in the surface water of Raohe River had exceeded the third standard value of GB3838-2002. The results indicated that Pb and Hg might be the major pollutants in this case according to the comparison of heavy metal concentrations between this recearch and other studied areas. Many samples were at high levels for the pollution of Pb and Hg based on the single factor index and the Raohe River was also polluted based on the results of Nemerow pollution index. It showed high risk towards the ecosystem and human health for Pb in the tributaries of Hukou according to the results of the potential ecological risk assessment, while a medium level of risk for Hg and other samples were at a low level of risk in Raohe River.