A novel silanized silica gel (SSG)-supported poly(acrylic acid) network polymer (ion exchanger) has been synthesized and characterized for the study of its analytical applications. The chemical nature of the ion exchanger has been elucidated with the help of FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The immobilization of the polymer network on SSG has been studied. The optimum pH range for quantitative extraction of lead was found to be 4.5-6.0. The effects of pH and stripping agent on extraction and elution of Pb(II), respectively, have been investigated. Ion exchange and break through capacity of the exchanger have been determined at room temperature. Pb(II) has been extracted quantitatively from various environmental samples. A plausible mechanism for lead ion exchange has been suggested. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.