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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FORMATION FROM THE PHOTOOXIDATION OF FORMALDEHYDE AND ITS PRESENCE IN RAINWATER
Citation:
Bufalini, J., H. Lancaster, G. Namie, B. Gay, AND Jr. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FORMATION FROM THE PHOTOOXIDATION OF FORMALDEHYDE AND ITS PRESENCE IN RAINWATER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-79/021 (NTIS PB298523).
Description:
The photooxidation of formaldehyde with sunlamps (E(max) = 3100 A) produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at varying concentrations depending upon the amount of water vapor present. It is postulated that the variable production of H2O2 is a result of condensation on the reactor surface. Rainwater samples were also analyzed for H2O2. Summer rain in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina contained as much as 200 ppb (w/w) of H2O2. Contrastingly, rainwater collected in December contained much less H2O2, usually 2-8 ppb. The lower concentrations found in the colder conditions is attributed to a decrease in photochemical activity.