Analytical methods for trace elements in biological material.

Trace elements and essential trace elements are defined. The principal methods commonly used for their analysis in biological tissues are reviewed. The methods covered are chemical, electrochemical, optical spectrometry, X-ray spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and nuclear methods. The great importance of the sampling procedure and sample treatment is pointed out. The most sensitive, most generally applicable multi-element procedure is neutron activation analysis. The main drawbacks are that the procedure is time-consuming and expensive. Atomic absorption spectrometry is the most popular method. It is fast and inexpensive but can usually only be used as a single-element technique.