This work demonstrates a robust method using SP-ICP-MS technology to detect CeO2 NPs which were extracted from soil samples with tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP). Over the past few decades, engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have been increasingly used in many commercial products. As a result, more and more ENPs have been released into the environment, which raises concerns over their fate, toxicity and transport therein.