The extraction and carrier facilitated transport of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ picrates dinitrophenolates, orthonitrophenolates and thiocyanates were studied using triethylene glycol monomethyl ether as a carrier through chloroform, 1,2 dichloroethane and carbontetrachloride bulk liquid membranes. K+ and Ca2+ were selectively extracted into the organic phase over Na+ and Mg2+. The ionophore is an efficient carrier for transport of Na+ and Ca2+ over K+ and Mg2+. Higher extraction of cations was observed in CH2ClCH2Cl than in CHCl3 and CHCl4, while the amount of cations transported was the same in all the solvents. The anion has no effect on extraction and transport of cations. This ionophore is an efficient extractant and carrier for transport of both alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.