Influence of pH and that of added lattice and certain non-lattice ions has been studied towards instantaneous sorption of tracer51CrO4 2− ionic species on iodates of lead, barium and strontium. Carrying is postulated to take place by surface adsorption. In the presence of lattice ions, the mode of deposition is in accordance with the adsorption rules. However, the presence of certain non-lattice cations with similar charge and ionic dimensions produces different types of behaviour. Thus, it has been found that addition of Ba2+ or Sr2+ ions causes the carrying to fall on Pb(IO3)2 surface, Pb2+ ions on Ba(IO3)2 carrier show the helpful role whereas Sr2+ ions supresse the carrying. Both Pb2+ and Ba2+ ions augment the deposition on the surface of Sr(I03)2. An attempt has been made to explain these findings as a consequence of postulated masking of active adsorption centres on Pb(IO3)2 and Ba(IO3)2 surfaces under the given experimental conditions.