Abstract: Based on monitoring data in the Liaodong Bay area from 2004 to 2008, the spatial and seasonal distributions of nutrient salts and heavy metals in the water were analyzed. The comprehensive water quality, nutrient structure and concentrations in the Liaodong Bay area were also evaluated. The results showed that the main pollution indicator in Liaodong Bay was inorganic nitrogen, while the concentration of phosphate (PO4-P), Cu and Pb exceeded the standards for Type Ⅰ seas in some areas. The spatial distribution of nutrient salts and heavy metals decreased from the northern to eastern areas. The most contaminated areas were the areas of Jinzhou, Panjin and Yingkou, respectively. All of these three areas exhibited severe concentration levels of nutrient salts, which might induce the occurrence of red tide. The seasonal distribution of nutrient salts decreased as follows: normal period, flood period and dry period.