Stupid Question: Can you generate Selenium in a B&W development process?

[Kino]

As stated: Can the element Selenium be GENERATED in any way by a typical D96/D97 development process?

I tend to think not, but would like to hear from more knowledgeable chemistry types.

All raw chemical and water sources have been tested, but an abundance of Selenium is being found in our Positive developer (in particular).

Film being processed is ORWO. ORWO denies using Selenium in the mfg of emulsion.

Ideas?

 

[Kino]

OK, I was in a rush; I'll try to get it moved to the proper forum...

 

[Rudeofus]

Selenium is very similar to Sulfide. Both would certainly not be part of a photographic developer, as they would likely fog the emulsion. Is there a chance, that the analysis place mistakes abundance of Sulfite for traces of Selenite?

 

[Kino]

Selenium is very similar to Sulfide. Both would certainly not be part of a photographic developer, as they would likely fog the emulsion. Is there a chance, that the analysis place mistakes abundance of Sulfite for traces of Selenite?

Thanks, Rudeofus. I will check into that!

 

[darkroommike]

Test your water, too. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/selenium.pdf

 

[railwayman3]

Selenium is a chemical element so it, or its chemical compounds, can't be generated from unrelated substances. It has to be already there from some source, and it's not, SFAIK, in any normal developer formula or film emusion, so it could be the water, or some confusion in analysis reports with sulphur or its compounds.

OTOH, it *is* used for selenium toning of prints, so could there have been some cross-contamination in darkroom equipment, e.g. bottles or dishes previously used for toning solutions ?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thread moved.

 

[Kino]

Thread moved.

Thank you, David.