Abstract The effect of electrolyte (NaCl salt) during chromate (Cr2O3 −2) ion separation from effluent by Micellar enhanced ultrafiltartion (MEUF) and leakage of cationic surfactant Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride (CPC) in permeate stream has been studied. It is revealed that though electrolyte (NaCl) reduces the critical micelles concentration of surfactant, but with increase of NaCl concentration in feed, decreases the chromium separation efficiency and increases surfactant, CPC concentration in permeate. The increase of ionic strength of the aqueous medium decreases the adsorption (chemisorption) of negatively charged chromate ions on positively charged CPC micelles, resulting in decrease of Cr(VI) separation by ultrafiltration. Effect of electrolyte on chromium separation at different pH, surfactant concentration is investigated. More than 95% hexavalent chromium is retained at 10 mM electrolyte concentration.