Concentrations of 13 metallic elements were determined in organic rich lake sediment profiles from three lakes – Padēlis, Pilcines and Pilveļu (Latvia). Concentrations of metallic elements are related to the basic chemical properties of sapropel– moisture, organic matter, carbonate content and elemental composition. Sapropel from the studied lakes is not polluted by industrial sources and can be considered as prospective material for agricultural and other applications. The heavy metal concentration depends on the organic matter content of the sediment and the geochemical properties (composition of minerals, rate of their weathering, hydrological and climatological conditions) of the lakes’ catchment areas. Increased concentrations of Pb and Cd are found in upper layers of sediments from anthropogenic pollution.