AbstractA poly(4‐vinylpyridine)/mercury film electrode (PVP/MFE) was applied for the determination of trace amounts of zinc ion by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The PVP/MFE shows better mechanical stability, higher sensitivity, and enhanced resistance to common ions and surface‐active compounds than conventional mercury film electrodes. Various experimental parameters affecting the performance of the PVP/MFE in Zn(II) determination were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the PVP/MFE shows a linear response up to 50 μg l−1with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 1.7 μg l−1. The practical applicability of the electrode was evaluated through the analytical estimation of Zn(II) in various r