Abstract

Mercury and its derivatives are dangerous environmental contaminants that may have a biomagnification effect on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Lake sediments can be used to reconstruct previous contamination levels and so identify anthropogenic or natural influences. In this study, the history of Mercury (Hg) deposition in sediments from China’s Chao Lake, a shallow eutrophic lake, over the previous 100 years is examined. According to the findings, the history of Hg deposition during the past 100 years can be divided into three stages. Prior to the 1960s, there was little variation in the Hg concentrations in the sediment cores and little regional variation. Since the 1960s, the concentration of Hg has been steadily rising, with the western half of the lake region showing a higher concentration of contamination than the eastern half. Due to several centralised human-input sources, of the lake region. By examining relationships between Hg and heavy metals (Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn), stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (d13C and d15N), nutrients, particle sizes, and meteorological parameters, the effects of anthropogenic factors and hydrological change are highlighted. The findings demonstrate that Hg pollution become more severe after the 1960s, mostly as a result of hydrological change, increased regional urbanisation, and the spread of human Hg sources.