Complementing the results from this study with further data from lakes in southeastern Germany and from western Germany would be highly desirable to test for environmental impacts by shortand long-range human activities through time. Data from the latter would also enable comparison between agricultural and industrial areas. Additional soil samples in combination with satellite observations of the different land-use areas around the lakes could supplement our theories and findings and facilitate inferences about the more recent situation. Lastly, if the analytical portfolio is extended with additional TPs of OCPs, conclusions about the state of degradation could be made with more confidence. Overall, the current study proves the suitability of dated lacustrine sediments to reliably reconstruct anthropogenic development and disturbance events in the past, as well as retroactively assess the success of legislative regulatory measures.