To obtain a microbicidal material for suppressing the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous medium such as a detergent solution in photographic processing systems by formulating a specific inorganic carrier for fixing a microbicide along with the microbicide.
In order to immobilize a microbicide, an inorganic carrier having a porous inorganic polymeric network structure is used. As the inorganic polymeric carrier material, sol-gel materials, silicon nitride and metal esters, e.g. acetates, nitrates, phosphates and ormosils, are illustrated. These are inexpensively and easily available. As the microbicide, e.g. compounds of formula I and II can be illustrated. This treatment is especially useful for photographic processing systems. For example, the treatment is carried out by downward pouring a solution which is introduced from an entrance into an inside room through a center tube in the room 13 (grains of microbicidal material are arranged in this room and a filter 15 is installed at the top of the room) and then upward flowing it through the grains.
KAREN LEAMING
CHRISTOPHER PETER MOORE
DANIEL UETORIN
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