The influence of the solvent (methanol-ethanol mixtures) on the electrokinetic behavior of polystyrene latices with sulfate groups was studied (methanol content was increased by 0.2 at a constant KBr concentration of 1 mM). Viscosity, density, and dielectric constant (eta, rho, and epsilon) were determined at experimental conditions. Two latices (with different surface charge densities and sizes) were used. Electrophoresis measurements were used for dilute dispersions. Streaming current and hydrodynamic permeability were measured for porous plugs. Linear trends in the electrokinetic measurements were observed in the whole molar fraction range. The experimental data obtained from different techniques allow determining the zeta potential according to a well-established classical relationship. The results obtained were analyzed on the basis of the solvent mixture properties and the electrical interface behavior. In addition, permeability data provided valuable information to interpret effects at the solid-liquid interface of the porous plug. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.