Abstract: The method was proposed for determination of 11 heavy metal elements (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in river and lake sediments by ICP-AES with microwave digestion. The sample of sediments (0.100 0-0.500 0 g) was treated with 6 mL of HNO₃, 2 mL of HCl and 2 mL of HF in a microwave digestor under programmed temperature elevation. The digested solution was evaporated to near dryness at 130-140℃ and the residue was taken up with water and made up its volume to 50 mL. The sample solution was used for ICP-AES determination of 11 heavy metal elements. Analytical spectral lines were selected. Spectral interferences were overcome by background correction. Values of detection limits (3s) were in the range of 0.20-2.00 mg·kg^-1. The samples of sediments were used as matrix, and test for recovery was made by standard addition method, giving results in the range of 81.6%-112%, with RSDs (n=6) all less than 6.0%. CRMs (GBW 07360, GBW 07307a) were analyzed by the proposed method, giving results in consistency with the certified values.