Microplastics quantification in surface waters of the Barents, Kara and White Seas.

This study is focused on the analysis of microplastic concentrations in the surface waters of the White, Barents and Kara Seas. Sampling took place during the "Arctic Floating University 2018" expedition using a manta trawl. Particularly high concentrations of the microplastics were found off the west coast of Novaya Zemlya archipelago with a maximum in a highly productive region – Gusinaya bank. The microplastic distribution pattern in the Barents Sea correlates both with the oceanic circulation and the fishing activities. The results show the first recorded estimation of microplastic concentrations in the White Sea with the higher concentrations located in the area affected by the Severnaya Dvina River discharge. Relatively low concentrations of microplastics were found in the Kara Sea. • Concentrations of microplastics in regions of the Barents Sea reach subtropical area values. • Severnaya Dvina River possibly plays the main role in the transfer of microplastics to the White Sea. • Kara Sea remains relatively clean, being separated from the Atlantic water inflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]