Anthropogenic atmospheric deposition caused the nutrient and toxic metal enrichment of the enclosed lakes in North China

Anthropogenic emissions have resulted in increases in the atmospheric fluxes of both nutrient and toxic elements. However, the long-term geochemical impacts on lake sediments of deposition activities have not been clearly clarified. We selected two small enclosed lakes in northern China—Gonghai, strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities, and Yueliang lake, relatively weakly influenced by anthropogenic activities—to reconstruct historical trends of atmospheric deposition on the geochemistry of the recent sediments. The results showed an abrupt rise in the nutrient levels in Gonghai and the enrichment of toxic metal elements from 1950 (the Anthropocene) onwards. While, at Yueliang lake, the rise on TN was from 1990 onwards. These consequences are attributable to the aggravation of anthropogenic atmospheric deposition in N, P and toxic metals, from fertilizer consumption, mining and coal combustion. The intensity of anthropogenic deposition is considerable, which leave a significant stratigraphic signal of the Anthropocene in lake sediments. [Display omitted] •Since 1950, the anthropogenic atmospheric deposition has surged.•Nutrient supply and warming jointly led eutrophication in lakes.•The transport distance of P deposition is shorter, compared with N.•Anthropogenic deposition has left stratigraphic signals of the Anthropocene.