Soils in forest land added with aged refuse were investigated.Hankson ecological risk method wasused to assess the potential ecological risk of the pollution by heavy metals(Cd

Hg

As

Cr and Pb)

andthe vertical distribution and migration of the heavy metals were discussed.Results from the assessment forthe 0-90cm soil layers with different portions of aged refuse showed that heavy metal contamination wasgradually aggravated with the increased quantity of aged refuse.The heavy metal contamination reached amedium level when the added portions of aged refuse were 25% and 50% and a serious level when the addedportion was 100%.Pollution caused by aged refuse was mainly concentrated in the 0-50cm soil layer andhowever

it had a less impact on soil layer 50cm below soil surface.Hg was the main metal causing pollutionin the application of aged refuse.The contents of the five heavy metals(Cd

Hg

As

Cr and Pb)in verticalsoil profile showed a decreasing trend from cultivated horizon to lower layer.Hg and Cr were enriched in soilsurface layer.The application of aged refuse might lead to Hg and Cr pollutions

but might not lead to Cd

As and Pb enrichments in soil and vertical migration.