Film processing and the environment. Reducing pollution, water consumption, and costs

X-ray film processing is associated with pollution from photo chemicals and from the water used to rinse the film. We tested a new processing system that was aimed at reducing both environmental pollution and costs through the use of solid photo chemicals and recirculation of the rinsing water.

Before and after the installation of new mixers for the solid chemicals and a system for recirculating the rinsing water, we measured: water consumption, processor function quality, image quality, archivability, and the waste-silver content in the rinsing water.

After the installation of a simple system for recirculating the rinsing water, there was an 88% reduction in water and film consumption as shown in the amount of water/m2 film that was used. At the same time, the release of silver-contaminated rinsing water directly into the sewers was stopped. Image quality remained unchanged. Archivability was assessed at more than 100 years. The solid photo chemicals and specially designed mixers proved efficient and provided a stable image quality of high standard. It was thus possible to reduce the risk of pollution from the transportation, storage and handling of liquid chemicals.

A simple recirculation system for the rinsing water would significantly reduce water consumption and eliminate contamination of the environment by silver. The on-site preparation of photo chemicals proved viable and reduced the costs of film processing.