In this paper we show that bromide scavenges the �OH radicals formed upon photolysis of nitrate, before they leave the solvent cage. Bromide can thus inhibit the in-cage recombination between �OH and �NO2. The consequence is an increased generation of �NO2 and nitrite and of Br2 -� + �OH, compared to �OH alone in the absence of bromide. We show that this effect compensates for the lower reactivity of Br2 -� compared to �OH toward certain organic substrates, e.g. phenol and tryptophan. Our findings could lead to a deep revision of the present views of the role of bromide in saltwater photochemistry. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.