Data from: 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
2.5–10 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.