A combination of DAM-SCN(-) third phase extraction and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is used for the determination of trace metal ions in a river water and a seawater reference material. An implementation of the third phase extraction prior to ICP-AES allows a preconcentration of trace elements (Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, V, Ti, Mn) by a factor ranging from 33 to 45. A complete separation of these elements is accomplished from matrices, normally affecting the excitation characteristics of ICP and suppressing the elemental signals severely. Different factors, including pH of the solutions, amounts of reagents, matrix effects, have been investigated and optimized. Under the conditions selected, the limits of determination have been in the range of 0.02 to 0.6 microg/L. The system has been successfully applied to the determination of Cu, Mn, V in the reference river water SLRS-3 and Mo in the reference seawater NASS-3. The results were in a good agreement with the certified values.