Determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater in a miniaturised analytical system

The luminol chemiluminescence reaction within a microfluidic device was investigated to produce a miniaturised analytical system for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater. Enhancement of the chemiluminescence signal by 132% was achieved by means of using the mirror reaction to apply a reflective surface directly to the top of the microfluidic device, producing a limit of detection of 4.7 nmol L−1 with a small sample volume (20 μL). This system was then used for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater samples during rainfall events showing the hydrogen peroxide concentration varied from 0.1 to 3.2 μmol L−1. The method was also applied to the analysis of hydrogen peroxide in snow demonstrating the hydrogen peroxide concentration varied from 0.2 to 0.5 μmol L−1 at ground level.