An optical analytical method, based on complexation reactions of organic azo-dyes with heavy metals, is proposed. It is based on a specially designed polymeric film that when submerged in water contaminated with heavy metals it changes its color. The azo-dyes are injected into the tested water, resulting in formation of nano-particles of insoluble complexes. The polymeric film embeds and dissolves these nano-particles and thus allows for spectral and/or visual analysis. This film consists of a PVC polymeric skeleton and an organic solvent, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, which possesses high affinity to the heavy metal nano-complexes. The method was exemplified for Cd, Ni and Co ions. The method is sensitive in the sub-ppm range. The mechanism and kinetics of the film coloration were reported. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.