The toxicity and environmental pollution by nitro aromatic compounds in water samples is the most recognized problem in worldwide. Hence, we have developed a simple and highly sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of 4-nitrophenol (4 -NP) in water samples based on a chitosan (CHT) crafted zinc oxide nanoneedles (ZnO NDs) modified screen printed carbon electrode. The CHT/ZnO NDs were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. The CHT/ZnO NDs modified electrode showed an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and lower potential detection towards 4 -NP, compared with other modified electrodes. Under optimum conditions, the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response of CHT/ZnO NDs modified electrode displayed a wide linear response range from 0.5 to 400.611M towards the detection of 4 -NP with a detection limit CLOD) of 0.23 1.LM. The CHT/ZnO NDs modified electrode was used for specific and sensitive detection of 4 -NP in presence of possible interfering species and common metal ions with long-term stability. In addition, the excellent analytical performance of the proposed sensor was successfully applied for determination of 4 -NP in water samples. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.