Control of Catalase Based Destruction of Hydrogen Peroxide in Deinking Systems, 1995 Recycling Symposium Proceedings

Kenneth R. Keegan

W.R. Grace & Co.

Jim Cairns

Grace Dearborn Inc.

Commercial deinking facilities commonly use hydrogen peroxide for bleaching. H2 O2 can be destroyed by a number of catalytic routes to yield H2 O and O2 which are inactive in the deinking process. The most commonly known catalyst for peroxide destruction are metal ions, specifically iron and manganese. A second less well known catalyst for H2 O2 destruction is a family of biologically produced enzymes known as catalase. Catalase is produced by a broad range of microbiological organisms, many of which are found in the deinking process.

In this paper a number of different test methods for measuring catalase activity in deinking systems are reviewed. Several strategies for controlling catalase are discussed leading to the conclusion that control of the microorganisms which produce catalase is the best potential strategy. Finally, several mill studies are reported showing the control of microbiological populations, and thus catalase activity, by the use of oxidizing and proprietary biocides.