The effects of electrolytes in aqueous two-phase systems are investigated. It is shown that macroscopic and molecular models give a consistent view of electrolytes at interfaces. The electrostatic potential difference Delta phi between coexisting phases is a common property at interfaces even though the phases are strictly electroneutral and Delta phi can not be measured. It is shown how ilio can be quantified under controlled conditions. Additionally, a molecular picture is presented based on computer simulations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.