A cerium(IV) hydroxide coprecipitation method was developed for the determination of some trace elements (Cu, Co, Pb, Cd, Ni) in aqueous solutions, water and sediment samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Several parameters governing the efficiency of the coprecipitation method were evaluated including pH of sample solution, amount of carrier element, volume of sample solution and the effect of possible matrix ions The procedure was validated by the analysis of GBW 07309 standard reference material sediment and by use of a method based on a solid phase extraction.