A procedure based on solid phase extraction of indium ions at trace level on Chromosorb 108 resin as bathocuproinedisulfonic acid chelate is presented for its preconcentration. The optimum pH value for quantitative sorption is 8.0-9.0, and desorption can be achieved by using 10.0 ml of 2 M HNO3. The effects of diverse ions on the sorption and recovery of indium have been studied. The capacity of sorbent was 3.78 mg In/g resin. Recoveries for indium from water samples were in the range 95-105%. The accuracy of procedure was confirmed by indium determination in certified reference materials. The method developed was applied with varying results to the analysis of real samples including metallic zinc with satisfactory results. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.