Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a color reversal photographic film that enables the amount of silver and tin (II) ions present in the washing water to be reduced, in order to obtain effluents that can be discharged to the drains and satisfy the regulations in force. The method according to the invention comprises the mixing with stirring of the washing water with a composite material comprising a polymer matrix in the form of an imogolite gel in fiber form comprising at least, on the fiber surface, an organic radical having an —SH function or an —S(—CH2)n—S— radical, with n between 0 and 4; the settling of said mixture, and the recovery of a supernatant having greatly reduced quantities of silver and tin (II) ions, enabling direct discharge to the drains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material and a method for treating of photographic effluents in order to eliminate micro-organisms and pollutant by-products so as to control bacterial growth and thereby obtain effluents that comply with regulatory requirements. The method for preparing an oxidizing material according to the invention comprises the dispersion in colloidal form of a metal or metal compound in an aqueous solution of an inorganic aluminosilicate polymer, said aluminosilicate being able to form an inorganic gel, and said metal or metal compound being able to cause the oxidation of oxidizable products and (or) micro-organisms to be eliminated, followed by the addition of a base to cause said aluminosilicate to gel. The metal is preferably silver in a powder form that is able to form a colloid when it is dispersed. The oxidizing material of the invention is efficient especially for the treatment of photographic baths, in particular wash baths placed after the fixing step.

Abstract: A biocidal material comprises a biocide immobilized in a porous inorganic polymer network such as a sol-gel matrix. The polymer may be coated on an inorganic support. The material can be used for inhibiting microbial growth in an aqueous medium, e.g., the wash solution of a photoprocessing system. The material can be housed in a flow-through container.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes for facilitated ion transport in aqueous solutions. The membrane is an adduct of a heteropolysiloxane and a crown-ether, and contains certain ions such as picrate or fluoroborate. This membrane is efficient for the selective transport of potassium ions.