Sedimentation rates in Guanabara Bay were determined by applying the210Pb CRS method to sediment cores collected at five different stations. The results showed a pronounced increase from 0.1–0.2 cm·year−1 to 1–2 cm·year−1, in sedimentation rate, over the last 40–50 years. Observed heavy metal profiles in sediment could also be explained on the basis210Pb dating and local industrial history.