[Objective] This study aimed to provide reliable theoretical basis for re- source utilization of sludge. [Method] By using pot experiment, variations of the yield index and salt content of rape and the accumulation of three kinds of heavy metals in rape plants and soil including Hg, As and Zn were explored. [Result] The results showed that medium sludge level (50 g/pot) significantly increased the rape yield and root/shoot ratio; when the application amount of sludge reached 100 g/pot, the fertil- ization effect of sludge on potted rape yield was significantly reduced. Compared with chemical fertilizer and chicken manure, sludge promoted N and P absorption of rape more significantly, but the effect of sludge application on K absorption was less significant than chicken manure. Sludge can increase the soil salinity, which is higher than the chemical fertilizer and chicken manure, but the effect was not significant. Compared with chemical fertilizer and chicken manure treatments, the Hg, As and Zn contents in rape plants and soil after sludge application increased, to be specific, Hg content increased relatively significantly. Hg, As and Zn contents in rape plants and soil were all in accordance with China National Safety Standards for Heavy Met- als in Vegetables and China National Environmental Quality Standards for Soils. [Conclusion] Short-term sludge application will not lead to secondary heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils, but the Hg content should be monitored and controlled in long-term sludge application.