Alternatives for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Present in Soils with Corn Crops, a Case Study from Los Ríos province, Ecuador

Authors

  • Mariela Díaz-Ponce Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo image/svg+xml
  • Roberto Barragan-Monrroy Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo image/svg+xml
  • Ximena Cervantes-Molina Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo image/svg+xml
  • Norma Guerrero-Chuez Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28940/terralatinoamericana.v44i.2434

Keywords:

agrochemicals, bioremediation, ornamental plants

Abstract

The soil contamination by heavy metals derived from the intensive use of agrochemicals represents a growing threat to food security and agricultural sustainability. In response to this problem, phytoremediation has emerged as an ecological and low-cost technique that takes advantage of plants’ natural ability to absorb and stabilize metal contaminants. The objective of this study was to analyze phytoremediation alternatives for heavy metals present in soils with corn (Zea mays) crops in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador. Structured surveys were administered to 260 farmers in five cantons (Quevedo, Mocache, Quinsaloma, Puebloviejo,
and Ventanas) to identify the types, doses, and frequency of agrochemical use, and a
correspondence matrix was developed between active ingredients and associated metals, which was compared with Ecuadorian and international regulations. The results showed that 21% of farmers used herbicides containing atrazine, associated with cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), while urea contributed Hg and Cd, with Mocache and Ventanas being the cantons with the highest doses applied. In addition, species with high bioaccumulation capacity were identified, notably Sansevieria trifasciata, Helianthus annuus, and Sorghum bicolor, which have local adaptability and potential for combined phytoremediation schemes. The study provides key information for sustainable agricultural management in tropical regions. Its main contribution lies in the design of a phytoremediation strategy based on accessible ornamental species, capable of reducing metal contaminants, restoring soil fertility, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, demonstrating the technical and environmental viability of phytoremediation as a mitigation tool in local production systems.

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Author Biographies

  • Roberto Barragan-Monrroy, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo

    Roberto Barragán Monrroy is an Environmental Management Engineer from the Technical State University of Quevedo (UTEQ), and holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Risk Prevention from the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), a Master’s degree in Chemistry with a mention in Environmental Chemistry from the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), and a Master’s degree in Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences with a mention in Chemistry and Biology from the same university. He also holds a Diploma in Higher Education Teaching from the Technical State University of Quevedo and is a certified ISO 45001 Internal Auditor. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Sciences and Productive Projects at the University of CAECE, Argentina.
    At present, he serves as a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences of the Technical State University of Quevedo. His research focuses on food safety, risk management, environmental toxicology, and waste valorization. He has served as principal investigator in projects addressing the presence of toxic metals and their toxicological risks to human health.

  • Ximena Cervantes-Molina, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo

    Ing. Ximena Paola Cervantes Molina, MSc., Ingeniera en Administración Financiera y Magíster en Desarrollo y Medio Ambiente, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Empresas por la Universidad Europea de Madrid y Especialista en Alta Dirección por el Centro Europeo de Postgrado. Docente titular e investigadora acreditada por la SENESCYT en la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ), donde ha formado parte durante cinco años del Comité Técnico de Investigación de la Dirección de Investigación, Ciencia y Tecnología. Posee experiencia en el desarrollo de proyectos enfocados en emprendimientos sostenibles, gestión ambiental y sostenibilidad con enfoque corporativo. Sus líneas de investigación se orientan al ámbito socioeconómico ambiental, con énfasis en sostenibilidad, circularidad, emprendimientos sostenibles y sistemas de gestión ambiental.

  • Norma Guerrero-Chuez, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo

    Ing. Norma María Guerrero Chuez, MSc., Ingeniera en Gestión Ambiental por la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo y Magíster en Administración Ambiental por la Universidad de Guayaquil; es Docente titular e investigadora de la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ). Posee experiencia en el desarrollo de proyectos enfocados en estudios de la gestión hídrica alineada al uso de suelo y el impacto que genera. Sus líneas de investigación se orientan al ámbito calidad ambiental vinculada al agua.

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Published

30-04-2026

Issue

Vol. 44 (2026)

Section

Special Number

How to Cite

Alternatives for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Present in Soils with Corn Crops, a Case Study from Los Ríos province, Ecuador. (2026). TERRA LATINOAMERICANA, 44. https://doi.org/10.28940/terralatinoamericana.v44i.2434

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