A dynamic development of methodologies of analytical flow injection measurements during four decades since their invention has reinforced the solid position of flow analysis in the arsenal of techniques and instrumentation of contemporary chemical analysis.

Regardless the progress in detectability of various instrumentation for trace metal determination, the preconcentration steps are very often needed for the analysis of environmental samples. Among the different techniques that can be used for this purpose, solid-phase extraction using various sorbents has been developed very intensively in recent years. Besides preconcentration, it can also be used for matrix removal necessary in some procedures or for the speciation of trace elements. This review is based on 42 literature references and shows favorable properties of cellulose sorbents for this purpose. Depending on the functional groups attached, the sorbent can be directly used for sorption of target analytes or can be loaded with ligands specifically binding certain species. Applications are reviewed for conventional batch procedures, flow-injection sample processing, and speciation of certain trace elements.