Aquathermolysis of humic and fulvic acids: Simulation of organic matter maturation in hot thermal waters

► We model the organic matter decomposition and generation processes in thermal waters. ► We examine the products of humic substances in aquathernolysis experiments. ► Increasing alkylbenzene and polycyclic aromatic content is observed. ► Heating results in demethylation, polyaromatisation and generation of aromatic compounds. ► Different heteroaromatic compounds show different temperature dependence.