Evaluating the abnormal ossification in tibiotarsi of developing chick embryos exposed to 1.0Â ppm doses of platinum group metals by spectroscopic techniques

► Sublethal doses of platinum group metals were found to negatively impact the ossification process in tibiotarsi of developing chick embryos. ► Severe pathological (e.g., skeletal developmental abnormalities) and histological (e.g., ischemia) changes were observed for most treatments. ► Abnormal mineral inclusions were detected within the bone marrow cavity via micro-Raman imaging and were confirmed by micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging. ► Over 45% changes in calcium content of tibiotarsi were detected via flame atomic absorption spectroscopy for platinum and palladium treatments. ► This study raises major concerns about the health effects of platinum group metals on pregnant women and their fetus.