A sorbent extraction procedure for lead, iron, cadmium and manganese ions on Sepabeads SP70 adsorption resin has been presented prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. By the passage of aqueous samples including analyte ions-rubeanic acid chelates through Sepabeads SP70 column, metal chelates adsorb quantitatively and almost all matrix elements will pass through the column to drain. The influence of potential interfering ions was also studied. The validation of the method was made though the analysis of LGC 6010 Hard drinking water, SRM 1577b Bovine liver and GBW 07603 Bush branches and leaves standard reference materials (SRM). The method was applied to the determination of analyte ions from various water, wastewater, cow meat and milk, red wine, and tobacco samples with successfully results. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.