Rate of sediment accumulation in lakes of Udaipur,Rajasthan, India,using the210Pb method

Sediment accumulation rates have been determined in Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Pichola lakes, which lie in the arid climatic zone, using the²¹⁰Pb method. The rate of sedimentation estimated in these lakes is 8.9, 3.42, and 2.80 mm/yr, respectively. River inflow, mining activity, and lithology contribute to controling the sediment deposition pattern in Udai Sagar Lake, whereas in Fateh Sagar and Pichola lakes, anthropogenic activity and erosion of loosely bound terrigenous material through wave action and varying lithology are the major contributors. Furthermore, a contribution from atmospheric fallout has not been ruled out due to occurrence of frequent duststorms, owing to strong wind conditions aided by barren hills devoid of vegetation as well as dumping of mining wastes in the area. The higher TDS and lower sedimentation rate in Pichola Lake compared to Fateh Sagar are due to the limestone lithology and better maintenance in the former, such as construction of parks, graveled roads, etc., to check the flow of silt into the lake. Fluctuations in metal content, for example, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Sr, and sedimentation rates are due to the variation in the sediment input at different time intervals.