Assessing soil heavy metal pollution in the water-level-fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

► We assess heavy metal pollution in the water level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. ► There are higher concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the upper and low reaches. ► As and Cd are the primary pollutants originated from domestic sewage and industrial wastes before submergence. ► The major contaminants are Hg, Cd, and Pb with primary contribution from traffic exhaust and industrial effluent after submergence.