Horizontal and vertical distributions of heavy metals (Al, Fe, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and magnetic susceptibility of Vaigai river sediment have been assessed to know the heavy metal toxicity and magnetic behavior of the sediment. The present study intentionally shows the magnetic susceptibility as proxy for metal concentrations and their risk levels of sediment. Univariate statistical analysis is carried out to confirm the spatial distribution of the heavy metals. The metal concentrations in present sediment are compared with iportant toxic reference values such as TEL, PEL, ERL, ERM and TRV to predict the toxicity of metals. The result shows that the frequent biological effect can be possible due to Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in all feet sediments. Some interesting pollution factors such as PLI, PER and mPEC-Q are calculated to know the pollution status of the river. High magnetic susceptibility values in S<inf>16</inf>, S<inf>18</inf> and S<inf>25</inf> indicate the presence of various magnetic minerals. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is carried out to show magnetic susceptibility as proxy for measuring heavy metals and their risk levels. Since magnetic susceptibility is strongly associated with heavy metals and their risk levels, this may be proxy for determining heavy metals and their risk levels. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.