Contribution of combined carbohydrates to dissolved and particulate organic carbon after the spring bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (North-Eastern Atlantic Ocean)

► Role of combined carbohydrates for DOC-POC partitioning assessed (Bay of Biscay). ► TEP comprised substantial carbon fraction of particulate carbohydrates. ► Molecular composition of polysaccharides revealed organic matter diagenesis. ► Uronic acids comprised 20-40% of total and dissolved combined carbohydrates.