Sampling was carried out at sites of varying anthropopressure starting from the glaciers (Larsbreen, Longyearbreen and Nordenskioldbreen as a refference), following the catchment (Longyearelva), the seashore, and wastewater outflow, then crossing the Adventfjorden until reaching the Isfjorden system in Spitsbergen. In addition, samples were collected from the WWTP in Ny-Alesund located to the north-west (Kongsfjord). Plasmid DNA was isolated from the samples and sequenced. The occurrence of plasmid-encoded genes was analyzed to determine their effect on the Arctic resistome.