Highlights MALDI-TOF MS MS and PCA allowed the identification and categorization of newly isolated strains from highly weathered oily soils. The isolated strains exhibited high diversity in terms of emulsification and solubilization activities. FTIR analysis combined with PCA revealed further diversity level of the produced biosurfactants.

Highlights Reconstituted hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria consortia from the weathered sites interact positively and negatively in bioremediation processes. Bioaugmentation using endogenous bacteria should be based on selection of the appropriate strains, which can co-growth with inhibition. The reconstituted hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria consortia lead to reduction of the lag phases and increase of TPH removal at 10 times soil TPH concentrations.