Variation in metal content at different levels of a 382 cm sediment core from a Bavarian lake can be correlated with different man-induced influences over the centuries, such as deforestation of surrounding areas, the introduction of coal mining, the development of industry, and several recent factors (expansion of motor traffic, use of salt on roads, pollution from municipal sewage, and use of artificial fertilizers). Metals determined were Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Ca, and Mg (by atomic absorption spectrometry) and Na and K (by flame photometry). -- AATA