Microplastics in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) prey: An exploratory assessment of trophic transfer in the Beaufort Sea

Microplastics (MPs, 5 mm were found, and 78% of the particles observed were fibers. Based on energetic needs, we estimate that individual beluga may ingest between 3800 and 145,000 microplastics annually through trophic transfer, with uncertain health implications. [Display omitted] •We investigated microplastic ingestion and transfer within the Beaufort Sea Beluga whale food web.•One in five fish contained microplastics, with majority represented by fibers.•The prevalence of synthetic fibers is consistent with contamination trends of belugas in our recent study•Our research point to significant contamination of top predators by microplastics via trophic transfer