An extractant composition comprising a mixed extractant solvent consisting
of calix[4] arene-bis-(tert-octylbenzo)-crown-6 ("BOBCalixC6"),
4',4',(5')-di-(t-butyldicyclo-hexano)-18-crown-6 ("DtBu18C6"), and at
least one modifier dissolved in a diluent. The DtBu18C6 may be present at
from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.4M, such as at from
approximately 0.086 M to approximately 0.108 M. The modifier may be
1-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)-3-(4-sec-butylphenoxy)-2-propanol
("Cs-7SB") and may be present at from approximately 0.01M to
approximately 0.8M. In one embodiment, the mixed extractant solvent
includes approximately 0.15M DtBu18C6, approximately 0.007M BOBCalixC6,
and approximately 0.75M Cs-7SB modifier dissolved in an isoparaffinic
hydrocarbon diluent. The extractant composition further comprises an
aqueous phase. The mixed extractant solvent may be used to remove cesium
and strontium from the aqueous phase.