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Keeping the efficiency of adsorbents in view with devising new solid phase extraction (SPE) methods, this study was aimed at preparation and examination of a new beneficial adsorbent for heavy metal ions. A suitable extractant, 1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone (Danthron), was impregnated onto MWCNTs and, firstly, the adsorption properties of Danthron-impregnated MWCNTs (Danthron/MWCNTs) were checked towards some targeted metal ions, i.e. Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions. Langmuir isotherm fitted with equilibrium data, kinetic studies vouchsafed the obedience of experimental data from pseudo-second-order model, and thermodynamic appraisals revealed the endothermic nature of adsorption process. Secondly, provided with good sorption properties of the adsorbent, a mini-column packed with Danthron/MWCNTs was recruited for pre-concentration of the interested analytes prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instrument. The detection limits were in a range between 0.301 and 0.016 µg·L−1 and the new SPE method showed a high efficiency in tackling analysis of natural waters, herbal infusion samples, and certified reference materials. Overall, the results vouchsafed that Danthron/MWCNTs can be regarded as a suitable adsorbent for preconcentration of the targeted metals. Danthron-impregnated MWCNTs show good properties for adsorption of some metal ions and have an excellent performance when are used for solid-phase extraction and determination of trace level of these metal ions. [Display omitted] • Carbon nanotubes were impregnated with 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (Danthron). • Danthron-impregnated carbon nanotubes were recruited for adsorption of metal ions. • Adsorption properties of the adsorbent for some heavy metal ions was scrutinized. • It was used as a support for solid phase extraction of the targeted metal ions. • Selectivity was shown by analyzing real samples and certified reference materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]