A new chelate membrane was prepared by grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto high-density polyethylene membranes and subsequent amination of poly-GMA graft chains. The effects of grafting conditions such as radiation dose and temperature on grafting yield were studied. Effects of various parameters such as grafting yield, pH, and adsorption time on the metal uptake were investigated. The results show that the maximum metal uptake followed as given in the order Cr (III)>Fe (III)>Cu (II)>Cd (II). The metal uptake increased with grafting yield, adsorption time, pH of the medium, and initial concentration. The chelated metal ions are easily desorbed with 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The results obtained from the chelate membrane showed a promising application in extraction of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.