Bibliometric analysis of bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador 2019-2025

Introduction: biotechnology has developed techniques such as bioremediation, which seeks to restore contaminated soils through the use of microorganisms, plants, or organic amendments, reducing the concentration of contaminants without generating toxic secondary waste. It is necessary to compile, organize, and analyze research on bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador. Objective: to analyze the current state of scientific production on bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in Ecuador during the period 2019-2025, through a bibliometric study. Method: scientific studies from the Scopus database were compiled and processed with the help of Biblioshiny (RDtudio) and Google Colab for analysis and visualization of key indicators: techniques, organisms, bioremediation strategies, publications by year, most cited studies, national affiliations, international collaborations, co-authorship networks, and journal quartiles. Results: they show sustained growth in scientific production, with a significant peak in 2022 and 2023. The most commonly used bioremediation techniques were bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, and the use of native microorganisms, with the genus Pseudomonas predominating, reflecting a preference for sustainable methodologies adapted to local conditions. The main national affiliations are public universities such as the University of the Armed Forces, the National University of Chimborazo, and the Technical University of Manabí. International collaborations, although few, are found in countries such as Mexico, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Venezuela. Despite the progress, most research is published in low-quartile journals, which limits its international visibility. Conclusions: it is important to strengthen national and international collaboration networks and expand bibliometric analysis to include non-indexed documentary sources to achieve a more comprehensive view of scientific development in this area in the Ecuadorian context.