Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance loses its activity or electrons due to exposure to oxygen in the air. In photography, oxidation can affect developers, toners, or other chemical solutions, reducing their effectiveness over time.
Managing oxidation is important in darkroom work, as it helps maintain consistent development, toning, and printing results. Proper storage, airtight containers, and minimizing air contact are common practices to prevent unwanted oxidation and preserve the quality of photographic chemicals.