Concentrations of Fe, Al, Mn and Zn were measured monthly from April to October at 24 rural riverine sites in Ontario and Quebec. Empirical models were developed predicting riverine metal concentrations from a small set of within-stream and catchment variables. Models explained a significant proportion of the variation in Fe (85%), Al (90%), Mn (57%) and Zn (37%). Simple models predicting annual catchment exports of metals from average riverine suspended particulate concentrations and runoff were also developed. These models explained most of the variation in annual exports of Fe (94%), Al (92%), Mn (62%) and Zn (75%) from the 24 catchments. / Models such as these can be used both to estimate catchment exports of metals to lakes, and to estimate riverine metal concentrations without requiring chemical analyses. The models also serve to distinguish background levels from those indicating metal contamination, and will, therefore, be useful in design of water quality guidelines.

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