Purpose Tessier's sequential extraction method is usually used to study metal parting among different phases in soils. The main objective of this study was to determine the redistribution of trace metals which were added simultaneously to a sandy loam soil by use of the fractional distribution and reduced partition indexes and the risk of assessment code (RAC). Materials and methods Tessier's sequential extraction method was performed on the soil sample. After each extraction, the suspension was subjected to centrifugation and then filtrated. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in each fraction by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Also, the independent soil total metal concentrations were determined to assess metal recovery. To study the possible redistribution of heavy metals, the soil sample was contacted with a multi-element solution. Afterward, the Tessier's scheme was performed. Results and discussion The metal distribution pattern showed that the exchangeable fraction carried a very small percentage of the heavy metals, and the less mobile fractions the higher percentages. After metal enrichment, the metal content of the more mobile fractions was higher than for the natural soil. Results indicated that Cu was the most mobile whereas Zn, Ni, and Pb were less mobile. Application of the RAC index showed that Cu had to be considered highly dangerous, and Cd and Cr presented medium risk. After metal enrichment, the soil had a larger affinity for Cr. RAC values indicated an environmental high risk for Cr, Co, and Ni and a very high risk for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. The I R values of heavy metals in the natural soil confirmed that Zn, Ni, and Pb were the more strongly bound to the soil components, and Cu presented higher bioavailability. Whereas, in the metal-loaded soil, the I R values confirmed that Cr was the more strongly bound, and Pb, the more weakly bound. The I R values showed that in the loaded soil, the amount of metals in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions was higher and consequently more bioavailable. Conclusions It can be concluded that the contamination of soil with metals produced a shift of metals from more strongly bound fractions to weaker bound fractions, implying a higher environmental risk. More studies are needed in order to determine the effect of a higher level of metal loading on the soil distribution pattern and the effect of time on the redistribution of the adsorbed metals.