Lactic acid extraction was studied with two extractants, trioctyl amine (TOA) and Aliquat 336, in three diluents (methylisobutyl ketone (MIBK), octanol and paraffin liquid). The effects of organic phase extractant concentration and aqueous phase pH on the extraction process were examined. Among the extractants, TOA was found to be a better extractant than Aliquat 336 in all the diluents. In experiments with 50% (v/v) TOA in methylisobutyl ketone, 79% lactic acid could be extracted (initial lactic acid concentration 86.96 g dm(-3)). MIBK had a profound effect on the extraction behaviour of TOA in comparison with octanol and paraffin liquid while none of the diluents affected the extraction with Aliquat 336. The extraction of lactic acid was favoured at low pH. The toxicities of TOA and the diluents to Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL B445 were also studied. While TOA was found to be highly toxic at the molecular and the phase level, the paraffin liquid was totally non-toxic. The extraction of glucose and yeast extract by TOA and the diluents used was found to be low, which thus enables the selective extraction of lactic acid.