Study Of The Elemental Composition Of Atmospheric Aerosols Collected In The Auger South Observatory Of Cosmic Rays, By Using The PIXE Technique

Abstract

We applied the PIXE (Particle‐Induced X‐ray Emission) technique to samples of atmospheric aerosols collected in filters in the Auger South Observatory, Malargüe, Argentina, with instrument Andersen Graseby 240. We analyzed the concentration PM2.5, PM2.5–10 and PM10 by gravimetric analysis and the elemental composition of fine (size <2.5 μm) and coarse (size between 2.5 μm and 10 μm) particles by PIXE technique. We complemented the elemental study with microscopic analysis, SEM/EDX. We discuss the concentration levels in the region, which in general are very low. We focus our analysis in winter and spring results. We find that concentration levels increase with increasing temperatures in the region. Most chemical elements have higher elemental concentrations in the coarse aerosols, but sulfur has higher elemental concentrations in fine aerosols.