Hydrogen peroxide in the marine environment: cycling and methods of analysis

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a key intermediate in many biological and environmental processes and there are a range of analytical methods available for its quantification, e.g. spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, chemiluminescence and electroanalytical techniques. This article focuses on the determination of H₂O₂ in seawater, wherein it is believed to play a significant role in redox reactions and the photochemical oxidation of dissolved organic matter. The cycling of H₂O₂ in seawater and potential approaches to in-situ monitoring are discussed, with particular reference to chemiluminescence techniques.