Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils: review and perspective for Ecuador in the Latin American context

Introduction: soil contamination by hydrocarbons is a critical problem in megadiverse countries like Ecuador, where oil activity generates severe environmental impacts, especially in sensitive ecosystems such as the Amazon. Objective: to examine the state-of-the-art bioremediation techniques for hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Latin America, with a special emphasis on Ecuador. Development: bioremediation is addressed as a sustainable alternative for restoring contaminated soils, highlighting techniques such as phytoremediation, mycoremediation, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and the use of biochar and biosurfactants. The role of indigenous microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and microbial consortia in the degradation of contaminants such as total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is emphasized. Although there has been significant international progress, the applicability of these techniques in tropical and megadiverse contexts—such as those in Latin America—remains limited. Ecuador, despite its environmental vulnerability and economic dependence on oil, has limited scientific output in this field. Conclusions: there is a need to adapt bioremediation strategies to local conditions, considering soil and climate factors, native biodiversity, and socio-environmental dynamics.