Atmospheric aerosols at the Pierre Auger Observatory and environmental implications

The Pierre Auger Observatory detects the highest energy cosmic rays. Calorimetric measurements of extensive air showers induced by cosmic rays are performed with a fluorescence detector. Thus, one of the main challenges is the atmospheric monitoring, especially for aerosols in suspension in the atmosphere. Several methods are described which have been developed to measure the aerosol optical depth profile and aerosol phase function, using lasers and other light sources as recorded by the fluorescence detector. The origin of atmospheric aerosols traveling through the Auger site is also presented, highlighting the effect of surrounding areas to atmospheric properties. In the aim to extend the Pierre Auger Observatory to an atmospheric research platform, a discussion about a collaborative project is presented.Comment: Regular Article, 16 pages, 12 figure

Dissolution and solubility of trace metals from natural and anthropogenic aerosol particulate matter

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In situ speciation of trace Fe(II) and Fe(III) in atmospheric waters by the FZ method coupled to GFAAS analysis

International audienceA quasi-on-line method of measurement of the oxidation states of iron coupled with a GFAAS analysis is reported for the trace conditions found in atmospheric waters. This technique is based on the formation of a specific complex [Fe(FZ)3](4-) between Fe(II) and ferrozine (FZ). tC(18) solid-phase extraction cartridges (Sep-Pak) are used to separate the [Fe(FZ)3](4-) and Fe(III) so as to limit the risk of redox evolution of the sample. The adaptation to dilute aqueous media, via acidification at pH 2 of rainwater sample, and atmospheric interferences are discussed, and the Fe(II) recovery in rainwaters is determined. This method coupled with a quasi-on-line sampling protocol has been tested on rains collected in Guadeloupe Island (Caribbean Sea, 16 degrees N, 61 degrees W) during a field campaign in May 2005. Our results show that the proposed method can satisfactorily be applied to the determination of Fe(II) and Fe(III) in atmospheric waters under in situ conditions