Trace elemental analysis has become an area of particular concern and high priority in environmental research and protection. The functional role of trace elements is described in terms of their nutritionally essential role or their potential toxicity, with several elements being included in both categories depending upon the dosage, route of administration and the form of the chemical species.Zinc is an essential trace element involved in a wide variety of biochemical functions, mainly related with the activity of several enzymes and hormones. Although Zn is relatively nontoxic, it is not entirely free from hazards. Therefore, the determination of small amounts of Zn in food and drinks is of interest to both nutritionists and toxicologists. 1 In fact, Zn imparts an undesirable astringent taste to water. Different tests indicate that 5% of a population could distinguish between Znfree water and water containing Zn at 4 mg/L level (as zinc sulfate). 2 The concentration in natural surface water is usually below 5 μg/L, 3 although there could be higher values, for instance in tap water as a result of the leaching of Zn from piping and fittings. 4 For this reason, the analytical control of Zn(II) in drinking water is of paramount interest. Considering the low Zn concentration levels expected in water, sensitive analytical techniques are required to obtain adequate LODs in order to monitor satisfactorily its low concentration levels.The analytical techniques commonly used nowadays to determine trace amounts of Zn in water samples are based on atomic techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry, 5,6 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) 7 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry [8][9][10] and ICP mass spectrometry. 11 These techniques involve high costs of acquisition and maintenance. Since we know that in routine analysis, a large part of the samples may not be positive, rapid analytical methodologies like "screening tests" that can provide reliable "yes/no" responses are of interest. 12 There is an increasing need for simple, cost effective techniques for the monitoring of heavy metals. As an alternative approaches to these atomic techniques, different methodologies have been applied for the determination of Zn. Among them spectrophotometry, 13-18 fluorescence, 19-21 electrochemistry, 22 anodic stripping voltammetry 23 and ion chromatography 24 have been proposed for the determination of Zn(II).As an alternative to classic atomic spectrometry, flow injection systems combined with molecular fluorescence spectroscopy could provide simpler screening systems, generally based on the reaction between the analyte and a relatively selective reagent. These systems offer attractive analytical advantages in terms of sensitivity, speed, simplicity and cost-effectiveness.Among such systems, solid-phase spectroscopy (SPS) is a methodology which improves both selectivity and sensitivity in non-destructive spectrometric measurements in relation to those performed in homogeneous solution....