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Trace metals (Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were studied in sediment samples from Cuitzeo Lake to investigate pollution levels transported through the Grande River (main water feeding the lake). Thirty sediment samples were collected from 10 localities in the Cuitzeo Lake during 3 different field campaigns. The metal content in the sediments show slight variations during different annual seasons but not in different sites of sampling. Samples collected at the mouth of the Grande River show high contents of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. This increase is especially evident during the dry season when concentration levels of Cu and Pb exceeded the accepted Guidelines provided by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. Pearson correlation analysis suggested a common source for Cu, Pb and Zn, and all other analyzed metals are not correlated. This quality monitoring from Cuitzeo Lake will provide a data basis for a regular monitoring program, to implement suitable pollution control measurements and, therefore, possible methods of remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]