Abstract: Method for detecting transparent exopolymer particles in a water sample. The method comprises step of obtaining a water sample and introducing a fluorochromatic reagent to the water sample. The fluorochromatic reagent is specific to vicinal hydroxide groups of transparent exopolymer particles, whereby the fluorescence signal of the reagent changes when it comes into contact with transparent exopolymer particles, i.e. TEP. Finally the fluorescence signal from the water sample is detected and the TEP level of the sample is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having the following formula: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, (C) a poly-alpha-hydroxyacrylic acid or an alkaline salt thereof or the corresponding polylactone thereof, and (D) optionally a polycarboxylic acid polymer or an alkaline salt thereof. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.