This study investigates the impact of heavy metals on aquatic life and human health in the River Ravi, Pakistan. Sediment samples were collected from 22 sites along the river to assess the presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, and manganese. Pollution levels were evaluated using indices including the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and enrichment factor (EF). Results showed that cadmium had the highest contamination levels, ranging from moderate to significantly polluted, while manganese showed no contamination. Other metals like nickel, chromium, copper, and zinc exhibited moderate contamination levels. The contamination factor values ranged from 0.436 (Pb) to 7.637 (Cd), indicating significant regional variation. The enrichment factor analysis showed a consistent pattern of pollution, similar to the Igeo analysis. The study also assessed human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults exceeded the higher limit (HI > 1) for cadmium and arsenic. Carcinogenic risks for pollutants such as copper, arsenic, nickel, cadmium, and chromium exceeded the limits in children. In adults, only arsenic and copper were found to represent a higher risk of cancer than the limit of 10^-4. Principal component analysis revealed that two principal components accounted for more than 65% of the total variance in the River Ravi. The study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and management of heavy-metal pollution to ensure sustainable marine ecosystem development and public health protection. The findings indicate that heavy metal pollution in the River Ravi is a significant environmental issue that poses risks to both aquatic life and human health. The study provides insights into the sources and distribution of heavy metals in the river and emphasizes the need for effective environmental protection strategies. The results suggest that the River Ravi is contaminated with heavy metals, and the levels of these metals vary across different sections of the river. The study also indicates that the contamination is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The findings of this study are important for understanding the impact of heavy metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems and for developing strategies to mitigate its effects.This study investigates the impact of heavy metals on aquatic life and human health in the River Ravi, Pakistan. Sediment samples were collected from 22 sites along the river to assess the presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, and manganese. Pollution levels were evaluated using indices including the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and enrichment factor (EF). Results showed that cadmium had the highest contamination levels, ranging from moderate to significantly polluted, while manganese showed no contamination. Other metals like nickel, chromium, copper, and zinc exhibited moderate contamination levels. The contamination factor values ranged from 0.436 (Pb) to 7.637 (Cd), indicating significant regional variation. The enrichment factor analysis showed a consistent pattern of pollution, similar to the Igeo analysis. The study also assessed human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults exceeded the higher limit (HI > 1) for cadmium and arsenic. Carcinogenic risks for pollutants such as copper, arsenic, nickel, cadmium, and chromium exceeded the limits in children. In adults, only arsenic and copper were found to represent a higher risk of cancer than the limit of 10^-4. Principal component analysis revealed that two principal components accounted for more than 65% of the total variance in the River Ravi. The study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and management of heavy-metal pollution to ensure sustainable marine ecosystem development and public health protection. The findings indicate that heavy metal pollution in the River Ravi is a significant environmental issue that poses risks to both aquatic life and human health. The study provides insights into the sources and distribution of heavy metals in the river and emphasizes the need for effective environmental protection strategies. The results suggest that the River Ravi is contaminated with heavy metals, and the levels of these metals vary across different sections of the river. The study also indicates that the contamination is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The findings of this study are important for understanding the impact of heavy metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems and for developing strategies to mitigate its effects.