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Data from: Mapping the spatial distribution of sub-10 nm particles in Raleigh, NC

Hazelwood, Jonah1; Cai, Lintong2; Bachman, Stephanie1; Meskhidze, Nicholas1; Petters, Markus2

Published Mar 02, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7pvmcvf6r

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Mar 02, 2026 version files 18.36 MB

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Abstract

Sub-10 nm particles represent a critical yet understudied component of urban air pollution, with significant implications for air quality and public health. This study introduces a mobile platform designed to quantify particle number concentrations in the 2.5–10 nm size range and total particle concentrations from a standard vehicle. The platform integrated multiple condensation particle counters with video monitoring to capture both concentration data and visual source identification during systematic sampling campaigns. The system was deployed for a series of drives in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Data show two dominant sources of 2.5–10 nm particles in the urban environment: diesel-powered vehicles and aircraft operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Highway measurements showed particle concentrations averaging 10,000–15,000 cm−3 (approximately tenfold above background levels), with intermittent concentration spikes reaching 70,000 cm−3 where 2.5–10 nm particles constituted over 70 % of the total particle count. These peaks were predominantly associated with "super-emitter" diesel trucks, identified through synchronized video analysis. Concentration gradients demonstrated rapid decay to background levels within approximately 120 m from roadways, highlighting the importance of high-resolution spatial sampling. At RDU Airport, our integrated approach combining field measurements with dispersion modeling indicated that aircraft taxiing and takeoff operations have the potential to function as important contributing sources of 2.5–10 nm particles to the area surrounding the airport, with meteorological conditions influencing their dispersal patterns beyond the immediate airport perimeter. This research provides valuable information for developing targeted strategies to mitigate air pollution in urban environments.