Enhancement of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence in an aqueous NaCl/H2O2 solution by argon

It was found that the bubbling of argon through NaCl/H2O2 aqueous solutions results in the development of intense sustained luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Bubbling of nitrogen and air through similar solutions does not result in such effect. The relationship between argon-supported chemiluminescence and initial concentrations of NaCl and H2O2 is characterized by threshold effects. In NaCl/H2O2 solutions blown with argon, hypochlorite was found, indicating that argon intensifies the reaction of chloride oxidation with H2O2. It is suggested that the enhancement of this reaction in aqueous solutions saturated with argon is related to specific changes in the properties of water, which is a highly nonequilibrium system. Possible consequences of relatively high concentrations of argon in the atmosphere for the chemical processes that occur in aqueous systems and, in particular, living systems are discussed.