This paper reports results of a study comparing the characteristics of mineral scale formation (BaSO4) in a bulk solution and at a solid surface. An electrochemically-based technique, in which the scale was formed on a rotating disk electrode has been used in conjunction with assessment of bulk precipitation measurement. Results from this study have shown that the action of a commercial PolyPhosphinoCarboxylic Acid inhibitor is different in the bulk solution and at the surface. The addition of 25 ppm PPCA, although effective in retarding bulk precipitate formation, enhances the level of surface scaling. Practical implications resulting from these findings are discussed. Keywords : scale, barium sulfate, rotating disk electrode, inhibition