Datasets of trace elements in shallow marine sediments along the Egyptian shore of the Mediterranean and Red Seas

Abstract

A comprehensive dataset concerning the geochemical composition of unconsolidated shallow marine sediments collected along coastal areas of Northern Nile Delta and Egyptian sector of Red Seas is presented. The sediment samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics FLNP – Joint Institute for Nuclear Research JINR and inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in Actlabs – Canada. Data thus collected supported the research published and published articles conducted to evaluate the geochemistry of shallow marine sediments covering mentioned areas [1–3].The mass fractions of 43 and 39 trace elements and oxides were determined in the unconsolidated marine sediments of Northern Nile Delta and Egyptian sector of Red Sea, respectively. Final data were expressed in wt.% and mg/kg for major and trace elements, respectively. Different statistical tests such as Shapiro-Wilk, Anderson-Darling, Lilliefors and Jarque–Bera were used to check the normality of data. At the same time, distribution patterns of the rare earth elements (lanthanides) as well as Eu and Ce anomalies were investigated. Quality control of analytical measurements was carried out using certified reference materials. Different univariate and multivariate as well as graphic statistical analyses were performed. Presented data were used in identifying, by means of more pollution indices, the degree of local contamination. The present dataset could be further used in establishing geochemical background for the studied areas and tracking eventually changes posing significant threat to environment and humans.

Keywords

• INAA
• Elemental composition
• Pollution indices
• Multivariate statistical analysis