The concentrations of major elements in bed sediments from inlets of the Four Rivers (Xiangjiang, Zijiang, Yuanjiang, and Lishui rivers) to Dongting Lake were measured using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique, with purposes to characterizing the chemical compositions of the sediments and to understanding the possible factors that impact directly on the chemical composition of the sediments. The results show that the concentrations of major elements SiO_2,Al_2O_3, Fe_2O_3, K_2O, P_2O_5 and LOI are less variable, and they show similar distribution patterns in sediments of the Four River inle...