In the present work, a new method for a trace analysis of metal cadmium ion has been developed on the stannum/bismuth/poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) film electrode in combination with square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. This new electrode was prepared by in situ depositing stannum, bismuth and target metal on the poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid)(p-ABSA) coated glassy carbon electrode. Some key factors including the pH of measure solution, the proper proportion between Bi(III) and Sn(II), the preconcentration time and the preconcentration potential have been studied and optimized. Compared with the traditional bismuth-film electrode, the stannum/bismuth/poly(p-ABSA) film electrode displayed higher stripping current response. In addition, it has the advantages of better stability and less toxicity. Under the optimum conditions, the linear calibration graph for Cd(II) in the concentration range of 0.5-55 mu g L(-1) was obtained and the detection limit was 0.32 mu g L(-1). The method was applied to the analysis of cadmium ion in tap water sample with satisfactory results. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.