Mathematical Model of Heavy Metal Transfer and Transport in Lake Erie

This study was supported in part by the Office of Water Resources Technology, U.S. Department of Interior under project A-045-OHIO(print) vii, 141 p. : ill. ; 27 cm.Numerical integration of mathematical functions representing the concentration of mercury, chromium and nickel in Lake Erie sediments indicate that 3.3 x 10^5 kg Hg, 1.8 x 10^7 kg Cr, and 1.2 x 10^7 kg Ni have been added to the sediments through man's activities. Most of the mercury, chromium and nickel are contained in the sediments of western Lake Erie. A mathematical model of sediment transport in Lake Erie shows that most of the heavy metals in western Lake Erie sediments probably originated from the Detroit metropolitan area and was input via the Detroit River. The sediment dispersal patterns are as follows: 1) the Detroit River sediment spreads southeastward over most of the western basin, 2) the Maumee River sediment is held within 15 miles of the Ohio shore, and 3) the Cuyahoga River sediment travels northeastward along the south shore of the lake. Attempts to model the transfer and transport of mercury within the ecosystem resulted in partial success. Very little transfer results between the sediments and other phases within the system. In contrast the exchange of mercury between the benthic organisms and other trophic and abiotic levels is very rapid.Abstract -- Key Words -- Project Personnel -- Introduction -- Mercury, Chromium and Nickel in Lake Erie Sediments -- Sediment Transport Model -- Model of Mercury Transfer and Transport in Lake Erie - Appendice