Comparative Study of the Efficiency of Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hypochlorite and Sodium Chloride as Extractors of Residual Silver From X-Ray Plates and Graphical Effluents by the Volhard Method

Abstract

Purpose: to compare the efficiency of sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride as extractors of residual silver from x - ray plates and graphical effluents used in the development of photolites by the Volhard method. Methodology: this is an applied and quantitative research using the Volhard method. Results: in relation to recovery of silver-containing metal from solid x-ray sheet residues, the results were 0.51g for NaCl, 0.205 for NaOH and 0.00g for NaClO respectively. The results obtained in the recovery of metal containing residual silver in photolite fixative in the presence of NaCl, NaOH and NaClO were 0.895, 0.835 and 1.330g respectively. Conclusions: NaClO was the best option for the extraction of silver-containing metal in fixation of photolites, being this 37,21% more efficient than NaOH and 32,70% more efficient in relation to NaCl. In relation to the recovery of this metal from x-ray film the results indicated NaCl as the best option for the extraction of silver contained in x-ray plates, which is 58.80% more efficient than NaOH.