Patent attributes
In some embodiments, a method relates to removal of optical brightening agents (OBA) from a substrate using peracetate oxidant solutions. A method may include reducing the microbial load in white water of water recycle loops. The methods may include providing a peracetate oxidant solution. The peracetate solution may include peracetate anions and a peracid. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution may include a pH from about pH 10 to about pH 12. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate anions to peracid ranging from about 60:1 to about 6000:1. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate to hydrogen peroxide of greater than about 16:1. The peracetate solution may provide bleaching, sanitizing and/or disinfection of water, pulp, substrates and/or surfaces. The peracetate oxidant solution may provide enhanced separation of dyeing agents from a substrate.