The role of solution properties such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and solid-to-liquid ratio in determining the adsorption of polymers on minerals is studied by conducting tests using labeled polymers and homoionic kaolinite. Data on the effects of the above variables on the adsorption of polyacrylamide (PAM) and sulfonated polyacrylamide copolymers (PAMS) are discussed in terms of changes in polymer charge, configuration and hydrolysis and surface properties of kaolinite in an attempt to develop mechanisms governing the adsorption of such polymers on minerals in aqueous solution.