Anthropogenic forcing and threshold exceedance of heavy metal pollution recorded in lake sediments from northeastern China over the past 1600 years

Key Points

• Heavy metal pollution thresholds were exceeded in lake sediments over 1600 years, indicating significant anthropogenic forcing.
• Analysis reveals increased levels of heavy metals, with notable elevation around 1930, linked to industrial activities.
• Observational analysis of sediment cores from lakes illustrates historical pollution changes due to human influence.
• Findings highlight the need to assess environmental monitoring efforts in regions affected by anthropogenic activities.