Determination of the latest sediment accumulation rates and pattern by performing 210Pb models and 137Cs technique in the Lake Bafa, Mugla, Turkey

The sediment chronology was determined using Lead-210 (210Pb) and Cesium-137 (137Cs) dating method. Profile distributions of Polonium-210 (210Po) and 210Pb were evaluated with regarding to sediment porosity, core location, bottom currents and prevalent winds. Max. 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations are found as 193.83 ± 4.43 and 187.84 ± 4.84 Bq kg−1 respectively. According to vertical radionuclide (210Po/210Pb) ratios, sediments especially in east part of the lake are rich with respect to the fecal pellets. Residence time of the 210Pb is calculated as 1.9 months in the lake. Average sedimentation rate (0.359 ± 0.012 cm year−1) in central area is higher than the near shore (0.137 ± 0.006 cm year−1) one in Lake Bafa.