The data is the element composition from sequential extraction of Bowland shale strata. The elements included are; Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, S, Si, Sr & Zn. All concentrations are given as mg/ kg of rock sample. Rock samples used are described in: WARD, CHRISTOPHER,JAMES (2020) The Fate of Polyacrylamide as a Slick-Water Hydraulic Fracturing Additive, and the analysis of the associated Flow-Back Fluids, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/13590