The applications of organic matrix modifier and Zeeman background corr-ection to the determination of Cd in seawater are discussed.The variations ofCd and background signal during the atomization process were studied

and theoptimum operating parameters for the furnace were established.Results showedthat the most effective of the organic matrix modifiers studied for Cd is citricacid.It reduces the matrix interferences effectively and enhances the Cd absorptionby 47%.The detection limit of Cd is 0.019 ug/l.The analytical results of Cdin seawater obtained from simple standard solution and standard additiontechnique show excellent agreement.The average recoveries of Cd are in therange of 95-105%.