A new modified silica gel using 2,4,6-trimorpholino-1,3,5-triazin was used for separation, preconcentration and determination of silver ion in natural water by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). This new bonded silica gel was used as an effective sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of silver ion from aqueous solutions. Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of silver ion were optimized with respect to different experimental parameters in column process. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of silver at pH 3.5 so that silver ion completely adsorbed on the column. The preconcentration factor is 130 (1 mL elution volume for a 130 mL sample volume). The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) under optirnum conditions is 3.03% (n = 5). The accuracy of the method was estimated by using spring and tap water samples that were spiked with different amounts of silver ion. The adsorption isotherm of silver ion was obtained. The capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions has been found to be 384 mu g of silver per gram of sorbent. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.