Spatial distribution of oil spills in the north eastern Ecuadorian Amazon: A comprehensive review of possible threats

Abstract

Petroleum is a keystone in modern life, but its production can have potentially devastating impacts in the environment. Petroleum as a complex mix of elements, beside linear hydrocarbons, can contain aromatic hydrocarbons (potential carcinogens) and heavy metals that can bio-accumulate through the trophic chain. In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive review of the potential threats of oil production in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We used GIS to analyze the spatial distribution of oil spills from 1972 to 2015 and determine areas with the highest frequency of occurrence. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship of these areas with biodiversity and remnant forests, protected areas, indigenous ancestral land and hydric systems. Furthermore, we analyzed the potential exposure to contaminants by remote human settlements and uncontacted indigenous tribes that use river water for their daily needs. We found that the highest frequency of oil spills occurred near the Coca and Lago Agrio cities in the Shushufindi, Sacha and Lago Agrio oil fields. These fields are located near the Aguarico and Napo river basins, that connect directly to two major national parks: Cuyabeno and Yasuni, which are also the home of Cofán, Waorani and Ai'cofan indigenous nationalities. These parks are also the biggest protected areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and in the case of Yasuni is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Moreover, these river basins are the water source of most of the eastern-most parishes in Ecuador, where almost 100% of the population use water directly from the rivers for their daily needs.