Estudio de la reducción de hidrocarburos en suelos agrícolas mediante biorremediación basada en microorganismos y ensayos rápidos

Abstract

The contamination of agricultural soils by petroleum-derived hydrocarbons constitutes a significant environmental problem in Ecuador, especially in rural areas where oil-related activities have generated environmental liabilities that affect soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and the health of local communities. These compounds, characterized by their high persistence and low biodegradability, alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, reducing microbial activity, nutrient availability, and ecological recovery capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microorganism-based bioremediation for the reduction of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in contaminated agricultural soils from the Taura parish. The research was conducted under a quantitative experimental approach, applying a before-and-after treatment measurement design, with TPH analysis performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC FID), a technique recognized for its sensitivity and precision in determining organic compounds in environmental matrices. The initial soil characterization showed an average TPH concentration of 118,000 mg/kg, indicating a high degree of contamination. Subsequently, after applying the biological treatment, the concentration decreased to 70,000 mg/kg, achieving an absolute reduction of 48,000 mg/kg and a removal efficiency of 40.7%. This result demonstrates a significant decrease in the contaminant load and provides evidence of microbial biodegradation processes.