Characterisation data for sediments collected from Peel Place Quarry, Cumbia, UK – A Sellafield nuclear site analogue

We present characterisation data for sediments consistent with the quaternary lithography located beneath the Sellafield nuclear site, UK. Geologically contiguous samples were collected, stored under ambient conditions and analysed. Analysis data described here include particle size distribution and textural classification, pH measurements for soil acidity, water and organic carbon content (loss on ignition), BET surface area, bioavailability of iron, cation exchange capacity for ion exchange capability, permeability measurements, gamma spectroscopy for radiological characterisation, X-ray analysis for phase (X-ray diffraction, XRD) and element (X-ray fluorescence, XRF) identification, ion chromatography for leachable ion concentrations, thin sectioning and optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for particle visualisation, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) for biogeochemical characterisation. We expect these data to be useful to site remediators, scientists and those examining biogeochemical and/or physical sediment processes at nuclear sites as well as site remediation efforts in the wider community.