Chemical modification of nonionic sorbent Amberlite XAD-2 or anion exchanger Amberlyst A-26 with Eriochrome Blue-Black R (EBBR) produces a chelating resin of satisfactory chemical stability and resistance towards mineral acids. Retention of 10 metal ions has been examined for both resins. EBBR loaded XAD-2 was utilized for nickel(II) preconcentration in atomic-absorption spectrometry. In optimal conditions at a preconcentration time not exceeding 1 hr, nickel(II) can be determined at the 0.1 μg/l. level in flow measurements. Retention of metal ions on chelating resin is a convenient method of preconcentration and elimination of matrix interferences.