Fractionation, sources and budgets of potential harmful elements in surface sediments of the East China Sea

► Chemical fractions of trace metals were first studied in the ECS. ► The Changjiang River is the major source of trace metals in sediments of the ECS. ► Sediments in the ECS are contaminated with Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu. ► Chemical fractions revealed the pathways of anthropogenic PHEs. ► Budgets of trace metals in sediments of the ECS shelf were calculated.