Cloud point extraction (CPE) was applied as a preconcentration step prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) determination of manganese(II) and iron(III) in water samples. After complexation with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP), the analytes could be quantitatively extracted to the phase rich in the surfactant p-octylpolyethyleneglycolphenylether (Triton X-100) and be concentrated, then determined by GFAAS. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as solution pH, concentration of PMBP and Triton X-100, equilibration temperature and time, were investigated in detail. Under the optimum conditions, preconcentration of 10 ml of sample solution permitted the detection of 0.02 ng ml(-1) of Mn(II) and 0.08 ng ml(-1) of Fe(III) with enrichment factors of 31 and 25 for Mn(II) and Fe(III), respectively. The proposed method was applied to determination of trace manganese(II) and iron(III) in water samples with satisfactory results. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.