Abstract: The sensitization effect of SDS on the FAAS determination of lead in industrial waste water was studied and its mechanism discoussed.Interferences of common co-existing elements and the working parameters of the method were also studied and optimized.Detection limit of the method was found to be 0.11 mg·L-1.In the analysis of some substantial waste water samples.RSD′s obtained were in the range of 0.8%-1.2%,and recoveries were in the range of 94%-104%.