Fig. 1.

Schematic design of robo-beach mesocosm experiments. The mesocosm Column Experiment I (CI) is depicted, with each treatment performed in triplicate (a). b A detailed illustration of the setup is provided, highlighting the integration of chemical-resistant connectors and tubes at the inlet, along with stainless connectors and Teflon tubes at the outlet to prevent chemical contamination and oil absorbance. Additionally, photographic evidence is displayed in c and d, demonstrating the actual status of columns and the solidification of loaded oil upon sediment contact at 8 °C. e A map illustrating the sampling site, Tupirvik beach, is provided, featuring coordinates and a corresponding photograph of the site