Nitrogen isotope, total organic carbon and element concentration data for piston core M77/2-024-5 from the Peruvian continental margin

Total organic carbon concentrations were determined using a Carlo Erba Element Analyzer (NA1500). Prior to analysis carbon bound to carbonate minerals was removed by leaching the sediment with 1 M HCl.

Bulk nitrogen isotope ratios were determined using a Carlo Erba Element Analyzer (NA1500) coupled to a DeltaPlusXL isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Major and trace metals were analyzed after microwave-assisted (CEM MARS-5) acid digestion (HCl, HNO3 and HF) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (aluminum, titanium and iron) (Teledyne Leeman Prodigy) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (molybdenum and uranium) (THERMO X-Series 2).