Abstract

This work addresses the chemical characterization of atmospheric aerosols and precipitation in the period from May to November 2019 at Monte Fenton (53.16 & DEG; S, 71.05 & DEG; W, 612 m.a.s.l.), 9 km west of Punta Arenas, to study the contribution and distribution of emission sources and chemical enrichment. The main ions (Ca2+, Cl-, K+, Mg2+, Na+, NH4+, NO3- and SO42-) were studied using ion chromatography, and trace elements (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Si, Ti, V and Zn) using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Ions concentration ranged from 5.0 x 10(-1) to 2.9 x 10(4) mg/m(3) for Ca2+ and Cl-, respectively; whilst the concentration of elements varied between 8.8 x 10(-11) and 2.1 x 10(-2) mg/m(3), for crZn (crustal Zn) and Fe, respectively. The electrical conductivity (EC, mean = 32.5 & mu;S/cm) and the pH (mean = 6.8), showed the atmosphere of the study site was relatively neutral compared to the standard pH for rain (or snow) without contamination (pH = 5.6), and presented relatively low levels of conductivity compared to the EC standards for distilled water (0.5 to 3 & mu;S/cm) and seawater (30,000 to 60,000 & mu;S/cm). The main contribution to aerosols in the atmosphere of Monte Fenton came from marine and lithospheric sources, followed by local anthropogenic sources such as burning firewood and/or urban waste for heating production, etc., that led to the enrichment of aerosols with high Fe, K, Mn and V content. The results of this study contribute to filling a gap in knowledge of the chemistry of atmospheric aerosols in Southern Patagonia.