The literature data on the abiotic degradation of asphaltenes are the subject of a systematic review. Such degradation may proceed under natural conditions. In particular, the action of sunlight, especially, ultraviolet radiation, initiates photolysis and photooxidation in asphaltenes leading to an increase in their oxygen content, thereby shifting the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance toward hydrophilicity and increased access of the reaction products for subsequent biotic degradation by microorganisms. The action of ionizing radiation does not lead to a significant change in the molecular composition of asphaltenes since they are highly inert to radiation. An exception is found for the irradiation of asphaltenes by intense electron beams, leading to their considerable degradation.

有关沥青质非生物降解的文献数据是系统评价的主题。这种降解可以在自然条件下进行。特别是，阳光的作用，尤其是紫外线辐射，引发沥青质的光解和光氧化，导致其氧含量增加，从而将亲水-亲油平衡转向亲水性，并增加反应产物的进入，以供微生物随后进行生物降解. 电离辐射的作用不会导致沥青质分子组成的显着变化，因为它们对辐射是高度惰性的。强烈电子束对沥青质的辐照发现了一个例外，导致其显着降解。