The influence of solvent polarity on adsorption behavior of DOSS (anionic surfactant) has been studied by means of electroacoustic method. DOSS substantially affected the C potential of titania and alumina dispersed in methanol and in hydrocarbons. In 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and 1-butanol, which have intermediate polarity between methanol and hydrocarbons, the effect of the ionic surfactant on the (potential of solid particles was less significant. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.