a substance needed in very small amounts for the proper functioning of the body There are 7 known trace elements: chromium, copper, cobalt, iodine, iron, selenium and zinc
An element that is not essential in a mineral but that is found in small quantities in its structure or adsorbed on its surfaces Although not quantitatively defined, it is conventionally assumed to constitute significantly less than 1 0% of the mineral From Glossary of Geology, 4th Edition, 1997, American Geological Institute
A trace element is a chemical element such as iron or zinc that occurs in very small amounts in living things and is necessary for normal growth and development
Essential mineral that is essential to nutrition Nutritionists prefer to call minerals either minerals or trace minerals depending on the amount needed by the body, while analytical chemists prefer to call minerals, trace elements
An element found in only minor amounts (concentrations less than 1 0 milligram per liter) in water or sediment; includes arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc