The present invention relates to the field of acrylic polymers and in particular to their modification with the purpose of the formation of compounds of still higher molecular masses. Plastic materials of the type of acrylic universal polymer (PAU), e.g. sold under the tradename "POLYGOR", can be used as starting material. The acrylic starting material is then modified by appropriate modifier compounds. In this way modified polymers can have molecular weights in the range between 2.times.10.sup.5 and 15.times.10.sup.7 a.u. and are water-soluble. This allows to use them as flocculation, coagulation, ion-exchange means and as additives to surface active agents for raising their washing and foaming capabilities.