Mass-Balance Modeling of Metal Loading Rates in the Great Lakes.

Major elements and nutrients are key water quality monitoring targets in the Great Lakes, but large-scale and long-term data for (trace) metals remains comparatively scarce. Consequently, the sources and processes controlling metal loading rates and potential accumulation in the lakes are not as well constrained. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of select metal loads in the Great Lakes basin, aggregating tributary and connecting channel loads as well as estimates for atmospheric input and sedimentation.