We report on the separation and preconcentration of lead(II) and copper(II) ions using silver-coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with cysteamine (Fig. 1), and their determination by slurry analysis via flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Under optimized experimental conditions, copper and lead can be recovered within the 95% confidence level in certificated waste water and spiked sea water samples. The technique is fast, simple, and leads to complete elution. Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the preparation of TiO2@Ag–Cysteamine nanoparticles and inset shows the color of the nanoparticles.