Efficiency of biostimulation and bioaugmentation in hydrocarbon soil remediation: A systematic review

Hydrocarbon bioremediation in soil using bacteria has gained greater relevance in recent years, highlighting its effectiveness as an environmentally sustainable and economically viable technique. This article demonstrates that biostimulation and bioaugmentation are effective methods for contaminant degradation, if favorable environmental conditions are present and the correct microorganisms are selected; however, challenges have been identified in practical application, particularly with regard to competition with native microbiota and adaptation to local conditions. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent studies, this article focuses on critical parameters such as pH, temperature, remediation efficiency and the mechanisms of action involved. The scientific literature on the bioremediation of hydrocarbons by bacteria is reviewed and analyzed, evaluating the physicochemical parameters, their mechanisms of action and efficiency, through biostimulation and bioaugmentation methods, highlighting the importance of bacteria in mitigating hydrocarbon contamination and offering a perspective on the research required in order to overcome existing barriers and improve the efficiency of these techniques.