A method to preconcentrate metal ions employed an anion-exchange resin was studied. Metal ions were first chelated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), then trapped on an enrichment column packed with anion-exchange resin. The major interfering ions, e.g. calcium and magnesium were excluded from enrichment by appropriate adjustment of pH. Desorption of the trapped metals was effected by elution with HCl (0.1 M). Recoveries of Cu2+, Ni2+, Co+, Pb2+, Zn+ reached 99%. By comparison with preconcentration methods using cation-exchange resin, this method has the advantages of selectivity, quantitative recovery, small cost of operation, and simple procedure.