A geospatial dataset of PPCPs occurrence in aquatic environments across China over the past two decades

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are increasingly recognized as persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants in aquatic environments. To enhance understanding of their spatial distribution and prevalence across China, we have developed a comprehensive geospatial database containing 8,128 records of 250 PPCPs from 385 sampling sites nationwide. The dataset is organized at four geographic scales (i.e., provincial, prefectural, county, and township or finer), with each record detailing the sampling time, location, and measured concentrations. Importantly, this database expands on previous efforts by including frequently overlooked water sources, such as tap water, groundwater, and water treatment plants, which are directly relevant to public health. This resource provides valuable support for environmental agencies in developing targeted management strategies, and enables researchers in environmental science, ecotoxicology, and health geography to conduct nuanced analyses of PPCPs pollution across China.