The effects of magnesium, potassium, calcium and silicate ions on pulp quality and reagent consumption in the D-1 stage of the ECF bleaching process were investigated on a laboratory scale using batch cooked and oxygen-delignified softwood kraft pulp. Tests were performed by increasing the concentrations of the given ions step by step at the chlorine dioxide stage. The results indicate that addition of magnesium ions (>1 kg/ODt) decreased clearly viscosity loss of the pulp in the chlorine dioxide stage. An effect similar to that, though much slighter, was observed when potassium ions were added, while calcium and silicate ions behaved like inert material in relation to viscosity drop of the pulp. No real detrimental effect on brightness, reagent consumption or the final technical properties of pulp were found with an increasing tested ions concentration in the chlorine dioxide stage.