Abstract: Distribution of heavy metals in the natural surface coatings collected from the Songhua River was studied before and after their aging for 3 months. It was indicated that sample aging resulted in 11.17%~2627% manganese to turn from carbonateassociated and Fe/Mnoxides phases to exchangeable and residual phases. After sample aging, some iron associated with organic matters and residues (16.89%~24.97% of iron) transferred to Fe/Mnoxides phases. All copper associated with organic matters transferred to Fe/Mnoxidesand residual phases after aging. Exchangeable and organic mattersassociated zinc transferred to other phases completely because of aging.

Key words: sediments, natural surface coatings, sample aging, partitioning patterns, availability