The determination of some toxic metals in human liver as a guide to normal levels in New Zealand. Part I. Determination of Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Ag, T1 and Zn.

Procedures are described for the determination of bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, silver, thallium and zinc in post-mortem liver samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. The technique involves a simple HCl/HNO₃ digestion at 100 ±20 °C, gives good recoveries and appears to be applicable to other tissues, and blood. Results of analyses of post-mortem material from eleven subjects with no known exposure to toxic metals, are presented. They are comparable with overseas findings and show no excessive levels.