Based on the field investigation in lotus plantation areas in the East Dongting Lake, potential ecological risk of heavy metals in soil were estimated and their impact on heavy metal content in lotus were measured. The contents of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in the soil were higher than background value of the Dongting Lake. Among these heavy metals, Cd was the most serious pollutant. Potential ecological risk index of heavy metals in soil was high (3551.04) and belonged to the highest class. Lotus had high heavy metal content in dry matters....