Table 1.

Weathering of oil in marine environment and summary of the compound groups most affected (Filewood et al., 2022a)

Weathering process	Description	Compounds most affected
Photo oxidization	UV-sensitive compounds undergo degradation. Affected by oil film thickness and the presence of unsaturated and aromatic compounds	APAHs, naphthalene (and alkylated derivatives), unsaturated FAMEs
Evaporation	Low-boiling-point compound transfer into the atmosphere. Occurs shortly after a spill and the removal of such compounds increases the concentration of other biomarkers in spilled oil	Alkanes (low molecular weight), alkylated benzene
Dissolution	Smaller aromatic oil compounds incorporating into aqueous media post spill. Affected by wave action and other natural conditions	Low ring aromatic hydrocarbons (preferentially less substituted)
Biodegradation	The decomposition of oil compounds by microorganisms in environmental media. Affects mainly saturated and alkylated hydrocarbons	Alkanes (all), alkylated benzene, alkylated toluene, FAMEs, APAHs, PAHs