A new micell-mediated phase separation method for preconcentration of ultra-trace quantities of cadmium as a prior step to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed. The method is based on the cloud point extraction (CPE) of cadmium in iodide media with Triton X-114 in the absence of any chelating agent. The optimal extraction and reaction conditions (e.g., acid concentration, iodide concentration. effect of time) were studied, and the analytical characteristics of the method (e.g., limit of detection, linear range, preconcentration, and improvement factors) were obtained. Linearity was obeyed in the range of 3-300 ng mL(-1) of cadmium. The detection limit of the method is 1.0 no mL(-1) of cadmium. The interference effect of some anions and cations was also tested. The method was applied to the determination of cadmium in tap water. waste water, and sea water samples. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.