The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of short-chain cationic polyelectrolytes of different molecular weights and charge densities in reducing turbidity and selectively removing toxic wood extractives from chemical birch pulp filtrate. The effects of chemical type, dosage and temperature were of interest. An effective performance was achieved with a copolymer of acrylamide and methacrylate of medium molecular weight and medium charge density at 72 degrees C and pH 5-6. The dosage range optimum for reducing the turbidity was 102-142 mg/L. Up to 92% of the wood extractives was selectively removed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.