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This content will become publicly available on April 1, 2026

Title: Deployment of a Fixed-Wing Small Uncrewed Aircraft System for Urban Traffic–Related Air Pollution Assessment
Abstract Existing motor vehicle pollutant measurement techniques, including those that employ ground-based and multirotor small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) methods, can accurately measure traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) concentrations at a single location. However, these techniques often lack the mobility to assess pollutant trends across a large horizontal area. Fixed-wing sUAS represents an alternative instrument platform compared to ground-based systems and multirotor sUAS, as fixed-wing sUASs are able to carry air pollutant monitor payloads, have extended endurance, and offer expansive three-dimensional ranges across a field site. To demonstrate the utility of fixed-wing sUAS for urban TRAP assessment, we conducted two flights using a Super Robust Autonomous Aerial Vehicle–Endurant Nimble (RAAVEN) sUAS [University of Colorado (CU) Boulder] at a large field site adjacent to a major highway in Erie, Colorado. Concentrations of solid particulate matter (PM10) and gas-phase (carbon monoxide) pollutants displayed decay as a function of altitude. During the morning flight, PM10concentrations decreased from 19.0μg m−3at ground level to a minimum concentration of 14.3μg m−3at 90 m above ground level. During the afternoon flight, concentrations of PM10displayed minimal vertical stratification, ranging from 8.9 at ground level to 10.0μg m−3at 45 m above ground level. Similarly, pollutants displayed decreasing concentrations as the horizontal distance from the roadway increased. Concentrations of TRAP may be significantly elevated in the area both above and beyond roadways, which contribute to additional pollutant exposure from on-road pollution sources. This study demonstrated that the general behavior of TRAP in near-road environments and that the use of fixed-wing sUAS are viable option for urban air quality measurements. Significance StatementThis study represents one of the first uses of a fixed-wing small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) to assess near-roadside concentrations of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in urbanized areas. We found that local meteorology, including local wind and solar radiation, had a substantial influence on the concentrations of common air pollutants, including particulate matter, black carbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, we found large-scale spatiotemporal variation in pollutant concentrations as a function of the vertical and horizontal distance from the highway, indicating that diminished spatial variation employed in multirotor sUAS studies may not be sufficient to fully assess TRAP in roadside environments.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2312996 2431471
PAR ID:
10595608
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
American Meteorological Society
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Volume:
42
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0739-0572
Page Range / eLocation ID:
353 to 367
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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