Anthropogenically driven changes to organic matter input in sediments of Lake Chaohu, Eastern China, over the past 166 years

•Long-term changes of OM input in Lake Chaohu sediments were assessed.•Anthropogenic activities influenced OM input via shaping local environment and ecosystems.•Agricultural activities enhanced terrestrial allochthonous OM input.•Dam installation inhabited OM input from submerged macrophytes.•Industrialization and urbanization promoted OM input from phytoplankton.