Method for processing a color reversal photographic film

A method for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film comprising the steps of circulating the exposed film successively in:

• i) a black and white development bath,
• ii) a first washing bath containing silver in ionic form,
• iii) a reversal bath comprising tin (II) salts,
• wherein the level of water in the first washing bath is maintained by a counter-current from the reversal bath, a volume of water at least equal to that provided by the counter-current being discharged through an overflow,
• said method comprising the following steps:
• a) collect the water from said overflow and the contents of said first washing bath, said water comprising silver and tin (II) ions,
• b) put the collected water in a vessel equipped with stirring means and containing a composite material comprising a polymer matrix in the form of an imogolite gel in fiber from comprising at least on the fiber surface an organic radical having a function —SH or a radical —S(—CH2)n—S— with n between 0 and 4,
• c) stir said composite material and the collected water to let them mix,
• d) leave said mixture to settle in order to obtain a supernatant,
• e) recover said supernatant.