[Objective] Analyzing the distribution characteristics of phosphorus forms in typical inflow rivers in buffer zones of Erhai lake in order to provide the basis for ecosystem restoration in Erhai lake.[Methods] The sediment samples were collected in Zhonghe river, Mocan river and Mangyong river in the buffer zone of Erhai lake. Four different phosphorus forms, including total phosphorus(TP), inorganic phosphorus(IP), Fe/Al-P and Ca-P in the sediments were measured.[Results] The contribution rate of different land-use types was different with the various phosphorous forms. The variation trend of the phosphorous forms in three rivers was different along the way. The structure of the buffer zone in Erhai lake was not reasonable, and need to be improved. The content of phosphorus forms in estuary sediment was as follows(in a descending order):Zhonghe river > Mocan river > Mangyong river. The phosphorus in Zhonghe and Mocan rivers was mainly Fe/Al-P, while it was mainly Ca-P in Mangyong river. There was a significant positive correlation between the change of TP in sediments and the Fe/Al-P, OP(organic phosphorous).[Conclusion] The change of OP in sediments influenced the content of Ca-P, Fe/Al-P. The content of Fe/Al-P had a great contribution to the content of IP. The correlation between Fe/Al-P and Ca-P was not significant.