A new, simple and sensitive solid-phase spectrometry (SPS) that is easily applicable to the on-site analysis of targeted chemical components in water at μg dm-3 or sub-μg dm-3 levels is proposed in this study. The main features of the SPS are the simplicity of operation, high sensitivity and applicability to real samples without the need for any pretreatment procedures. A portable spectrophotometer, consisting of an LED light source, a grating and a CCD, was used for the solid-phase light measurements. The universal applicability of the proposed system to on-site analysis was evaluated by determining phosphate, chromium(VI) and iron(II) in natural water. © 2013 The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.