Sediment Core Analysis for Historical Reconstruction of Industrial Heavy Metal Pollution in Lake Ecosystems

Abstract

Industrialization and urban expansion have significantly increased the release of heavy metals into aquatic ecosystems, resulting in long-term contamination of lake sediments and deterioration of environmental quality. The present study investigates the application of sediment core analysis for the historical reconstruction of industrial heavy metal pollution in lake ecosystems. Sediment cores collected from contaminated lake environments were analyzed to determine the vertical distribution, accumulation patterns, and temporal variations of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper, and zinc. Geochemical characterization and stratigraphic analysis were employed to evaluate pollution trends and identify the influence of industrial discharge, urban runoff, and anthropogenic activities on sediment contamination over time. Results indicate that deeper sediment layers reflect baseline natural conditions, whereas upper layers exhibit substantial increases in heavy metal concentrations corresponding to periods of intensified industrial development and population growth. The study further demonstrates that sediment core chronology and contamination indices provide valuable insights into historical pollution events, transport mechanisms, and ecological risk evolution within lake ecosystems. Statistical assessment reveals strong correlations between industrial activity patterns and heavy metal enrichment in sediment deposits. In addition, the findings highlight the persistence and long-term environmental impact of toxic metals due to limited natural degradation processes. Comparative evaluation with environmental quality guidelines confirms elevated ecological risk in heavily industrialized regions, emphasizing the necessity for effective pollution control and remediation strategies.