Secondary dataset on published atmospheric dust and trace metal concentration data from marine and coastal environments

This secondary dataset compiles trace metal and dust characteristics reported in previously published atmospheric dust studies conducted over marine and coastal environments globally. For each study, the dataset records the geographic location and regional classification of dust sampling (ocean, sea, or coastal area), the trace metal(s) reported, and the associated metal content or concentration expressed in the units used by the original source (metal mass in dust, µg g⁻¹; dissolved/soluble metal concentration, nM; dust amount analysed, mg; dust flux, mg m⁻² day⁻¹; atmospheric deposition velocity, cm s⁻¹; and atmospheric metal concentration, reported in both pmol m⁻³ and ng m⁻³ where available). Where reported, the mixed layer depth of the underlying water column at the time of sampling is also included, since this parameter is required to convert atmospheric metal inputs into estimated seawater concentrations. A free-text field ("Additional information") retains contextual details from each source study, such as the sampling period, cruise or campaign name, and air-mass classification, that are relevant to interpreting the reported values but do not fit a standardised numeric field. Data were extracted directly from the text, tables, and supplementary materials of each cited publication; no values were estimated, interpolated, or converted between units except where explicitly noted in the "Additional information" field. Where a source reported a range rather than a single value, the range is retained as reported. The full bibliographic reference for each entry is provided in a separate sheet, cross-referenced by author and year. File structure: Sheet 1 – "Dust studies": the primary data table, structured with one row per metal per reported location/sampling event. Sheet 2 – "References": full citations corresponding to each reference cited in the data sheet. Column descriptions (Sheet 1): Column Description Location of dust – ocean, sea or area Broad geographic region of dust sampling Location details Specific site, coordinates, or descriptive location Trace Metal Metal reported (e.g. Total Fe, Total Cu); "Total" indicates bulk/digested content, as distinct from soluble fractions Trace metal mass (µg g⁻¹) Metal content of the dust itself Trace metal concentration (nM) Dissolved/soluble metal concentration, where reported in this unit Dust amount analysed (mg) Mass of dust in the analysed sample Dust flux (mg m⁻² day⁻¹) Reported or derived atmospheric dust deposition flux Deposition rate/velocity (cm s⁻¹) Atmospheric deposition velocity used or reported in the source study Concentration of metal in air (pmol m⁻³) Atmospheric metal concentration Concentration of metal in air 2 (ng m⁻³) Atmospheric metal concentration, alternative unit Mixed Layer depth (m) Depth of the surface mixed layer at the sampling site, where reported Additional information Sampling period, campaign/cruise details, and other source-specific context Reference In-text citation (author, year), cross-referenced to Sheet 2 Keywords: atmospheric deposition; dust; trace metals; aerosol; marine biogeochemistry; literature compilation