Flameless atomic absorption methods were investigated for determination of trace elements in water. Metals were preconcentrated by electrodeposition on a wire. The metals were then atomized for atomic absorption measurement by resistive heating of the wire. As little as 0.01 part per million of mercury could be determined in this way. In a cold vapor cell, the sample is treated with a reducing agent to reduce mercury to the elemental state. Argon is bubbled through the sample to carry mercury vapor into a quartz-ended tube where its atomic absorption is measured. As little as 0.5 part per billion of mercury was determined in natural waters. A heated tube atomizer was designed for the determination of relatively volatile elements such as arsenic. Ten micrograms of arsenic could be detected. A simple and inexpensive tantalum ribbon flameless atomizer cell in which a few microliters of sample were dried and atomized on a tantalum ribbon heated resistively was also tested.