Determination of trace concentrations of lead and nickel in freeze-dried human milk by atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry

The lead and nickel contents of freeze-dried samples of human milk were determined. Lead was quantified by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and nickel was measured by inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry with electrothermal vaporisation. Sample pretreatment consisted of acid digestion and dithizone extraction.