Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions from food and water sample have been separated and preconcentrated using a novel, straightforward, and precise carrier element-free coprecipitation approach. The suggested procedure relied on the utilization of 4-(5‑bromo-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide (BHBAPBS) as a novel co-precipitant at neutral medium and the flame atomic absorption spectrometry identification of the studied metal ions under investigation. To obtain the metal ions for analysis, Several variables, like pH, volume of the sample, co-precipitant amount, and the speed and duration of centrifugation, were examined for their effects. The impact of coexisting ions was also being watched, but no interferences were discovered. The validity of the recommended strategy was examined using tests using certified reference materials. Analyte ion recovery values were calculated and found to be between 95 and 100 %. To assess the reliability of the suggested approach, the relative standard deviation was calculated and discovered to be 3.5 %. The detection limits were ranged between 0.3 and 0.6 μg L− 1. Preconcentration factor has been determined to be 100. Results for the preconcentration and separation of trace levels of the investigated ions in environmental and certified reference materials samples were satisfactory.