Silicon carbide nanoparticles were applied as a new solid phase adsorbent for preconcentration of lead ions. Pb(II) ions are adsorbed on silicon carbide nanoparticles, eluted with nitric acid and determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The solid phase extraction conditions were optimized. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 2-150 ng mL(-1) (r = 0.9995) with a detection limit of 0.4 ng mL(-1). The relative standard deviation for eight measurements of 20 ng mL(-1) of Pb(II) was 1.3%. The adsorption capacity was 156.2 mg g(-1) of Pb(II). The method was applied to determination of Pb(II) in different samples. (C) 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.