The extraction of hexavalent chromium (Cr) from aqueous solutions by tetrabutyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) salt in dichloromethane was investigated. The results indicated that the maximum extraction efficiency of Cr(VI) was at pH 1 +/- 0.1. The strippant 0.1 M sodium hydroxide, completely stripped Cr(VI) from the loaded solvent. The stripped solvent can be reused for extracting Cr(VI). After five extraction cycles, the dichloromethane showed no significant loss in volume and retains the same extracting ability. The solvent extraction method was applied for the removal and recovery of Cr(VI) from real chromeplating wastewater and found to be satisfactory. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.