This work is a study of tin-film electrodes (SnFEs) for the determination of trace metals by means of square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). SnFEs represent a new promising type of environment-friendly electrodes but their analytical performance has not been explored in detail so far. Initially, the operational parameters for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Zn(II) on in situ plated SnFEs on different substrates were thoroughly investigated. Using the selected conditions, at a preconcentration time of 120s the limits of detection were 0.7 mu g l(-1) for Cd and 0.9 mu g l(-1) for Zn and the percent relative standard deviations were 4.2% for Zn(II) and 3.6% for Cd(II) at the 20 mu g l(-1) level (n=8). Subsequently, a study was conducted to investigate the utility of SnFEs as sensors for the determination of other metals, including those with oxidation potentials close to, or more positive than, the oxidation potential of Sn (Tl(I), Pb(II), Cu(II)). Finally, the SnFEs were successfully applied for the determination of Pb(II) and Zn(II) in tap water. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.