The deposition rate of Cl- and SO42- ions involved in the corrosion under marine aerosol influence was monitored by using different retention methods: alkaline sulfation plate, wet candle and dry plate. It is known that the Cl-/SO42- ratio in sea water and in marine aerosol is near 7. Hence, by using this relationship and the experimental data of deposition rate (both ions collected by the same method), the origin of SO42- ions was unraveled. Inconsistent Cl /SO42 ratios were obtained when deposition rate values for both ions were determined at different collectors in marine locations. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society.