Temporal Dataset of Emerging and Legacy PFAS Concentrations (ng/L) in 5 Major Ocean Regions Over Multiple Time Periods

This dataset compiles reported concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in marine surface waters from multiple regions worldwide, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Antarctic waters. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed publications and included sampling location (region and specific site), sampling year, PFAS compound name, measured concentration (ng L⁻¹), compound classification (legacy or emerging), and calculated summary values such as average concentrations and summed concentrations by compound type.

The dataset spans studies published between 2002 and 2025 and integrates measurements from coastal environments, open-ocean regions, and polar waters. All concentration values are reported as presented in the original studies and harmonized into a consistent format to facilitate comparative analysis of PFAS occurrence and distribution across global marine environments.