The deviations from normal health produced by abnormalities in trace mineral metabolism in patients with renal disease and renal disorders produced by deficiencies or excesses of these trace minerals serve as the focus for this symposium on trace minerals and the kidney. Zinc, the trace mineral of most interest of the nephrologist, and aluminum, the nonessential (toxic) trace element of most interest, are treated in separate reviews. Iron, copper, selenium, and silicon (essential trace elements) and cadmium, lead, mercury, and lithium (nonessential or toxic elements) are covered in this review.