Abstract: The spatiotemporal distribution of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in sediments of Xiangxi Bay, Three Gorges Reservoir was investigated from October 2004 to July 2006, with related affecting factors analyzed. The TN and TP concentrations in the sediments were higher in the middle stretch but lower in the two edges of the Bay. The maximum value of TN concentration (1.08 mg·g^-1) appeared in the middle part of the Bay, and the minimum (0.89 mg·g^-1) occurred at the adjacent areas to the river mouth; while the maximum value of TP concentration (1.07 mg·g^-1) appeared in the middle, and the minimum (0.80 mg·g^-1) was in the edges of the Bay. The TN concentration decreased in the sequence of autumn-winter-spring, but increased from spring to summer dramatically; while the seasonal variation of TP concentration was not very significant, with the maximum occurred in spring. Significant inter-annual variations were observed in the TN and TP concentrations. The spatial distributions of TN and TP concentrations were mainly affected by the sedimentation of suspended matter. In the regions where sedimentation rate was high, the TN and TP concentrations were also very high. The seasonal fluctuation of TN concentration was mainly affected by river discharge, while that of TP concentration was main
ly affected by point source pollution.

Key words: sediment, nutrient, spatiotemporal distribution, Xiangxi Bay, Three Gorges Reservoir, soil water content, soil bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, spatial variation,  , Karst.