Abstract:The aim of this research was to clarify the differences in the accumulation patterns of five heavy metals in different parts of the melon fruit during the expansion phase. The research samples were collected from melon fruits and the corresponding rhizosphere soils from July 10 to 24. The contents of five heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), in the samples were determined using national standard methods. The results suggest that, during the expansion phase, the accumulation coefficients of Cd, Cu, and As in the melon rind first decreased, then increased, and then decreased again. However, the accumulation coefficient of Cr first increased and then decreased, while the Ni accumulation coefficient showed relatively significant fluctuations. Toward the end of the expansion phase, the accumulation coefficient of Cd in the pulp generally showed a decreasing trend (the accumulation coefficients for parts E, F, and G reached 0.005 9, 0.004 9, and 0.004 8, respectively), and the accumulation coefficients of Cu, As, Ni, and Cr increased. The accumulation patterns of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Cr in parts A and F were considerably different, with significant differences are also noted in the accumulation patterns of As in parts A and E. In conclusion, differences were seen in heavy metal accumulation in the melon rind and pulp. Based on these results, the harvest time can be adjusted to reduce the accumulation levels of heavy metals of concern in the fruits. These findings provide a preliminary foundation for future research.