Heavy metals of natural and anthropogenic sources are mixed in lake sediments, and it is difficult to discern.Based on linear regression analysis results and element chemical properties, A1 and V are selected as the concentration normalizing elements.The natural and anthropogenic sources contributing to the elemental concentrations in core MS of Lake Taihu are analyzed in terms of element-to-Al ratio versus V-to-Al ratio.Results show that heavy metals were from natural sources before mid 1920s.The heavy metals, such as Al,Fe,Mn,V, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn and As, were from changed natural sources, and Hg originated from human pollution partly between mid 1920s and 1970s.The heavy metals, such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, As, are contaminated by human pollution since mid 1970s.The source characters of heavy metals are correspondent with the human activities and economic development in Lake Taihu drainage basin.