A novel electrochemically deposited graphene (EG)/bismuth (Bi) nanocomposite film-modifiedglassy carbon electrode (GCE) was prepared through successive electrodeposition of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) and in situ plating bismuth film. Experimental variables, including deposition potential and bismuth concentration, were carefully optimized to determine trace zinc, cadmium, and lead ions by using the EG/Bi electrode as an electrochemical-sensing platform. The linear calibration curves ranged from 1 to 100 mu g L-1 for Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+. The detection limits were 1.80 mu g L-1 for Zn2+, 0.18 mu g L-1 for Cd2+, and 0.11 mu g L-1 for Pb2+ (S/N = 3). The EG/Bi nanocomposite film electrode was successfully applied to the analysis of trace metals in real environments. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.