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

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

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.7pvmcvf6r](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7pvmcvf6r)

Publication DOI: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2025.10274](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2025.102748 \"Persistent link using digital object identifier\")

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset contains mobile measurements of ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations collected in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, during June 2023. The study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of particles smaller than 10 nm (sub-10 nm) and evaluate the influence of traffic emissions on UFP concentrations in both urban and suburban environments. Data were collected using a mobile laboratory equipped with three Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) with different lower detection limits (2.5 nm, 7 nm, and 10 nm) and a GPS unit to enable spatially-resolved measurements.

The campaign focused on major roadways, including..., ,