The persistent toxic substances (PTS) are divided into persistent organic pollutants(POPs) and heavy metals. The soure of these PTSs and the ways for their entering the sediment were described. It was pointed out that these PTSs have the characteristics of semi-volatilized, high toxic, Long-term residual and biological accumulation. This article also reviewed the research status of the cycle of PTSs in an ecosystem, and PTS damage to the reproductive and organs of a living creature.Technique methods for chemical and biological detecting and analyzing PTSs were introduced. The technique of PTS physicochemical-remediation, bio-remediation and phytoremediation were also described. Finally, the research prospect of the PTS in sediment is anticipated.