This research program was designed to evaluate the applicability of ion exchange technology in reducing the pollutional effects of pulp, paper, and paperboard bleach plant effluents. To gain some perspective on the state-of-the-art concerning ion exchange, a literature review was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of this technology in reducing toxic and non-conventional pollutants. Three ion exchange design schemes have been developed for treating bleach plant effluents: the Dow process, the Rahm & Haas process, and the Billerud Non-Polluting Bleach Plant Concept. Of these systems, only the Billerud Non-Polluting Bleach Plant Concept has been used on a full-scale basis in the pulp, paper, and paperboard industry. Batch and pilot plant ion exchange installations of the Billerud Non-Polluting Bleach Plant Concept at Billerud Uddeholm AB in Skoghall, Sweden were evaluated as a portion of this project. This assessment was undertaken to ascertain actual operation parameters and removal efficiencies, as well as associated problems and costs. Capital, operation, and maintenance costs were projected for a full-scale computer controlled plant of the Billerud Non-Polluting Bleach Plant Concept to serve a 110,000 ton/year bleach plant.