ABSTRACT
Biosurfactant applications for the remediation of contaminated soil and water are promising due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and critical micelle concentration and high effectiveness in enhancing biodegradation and affinity for metals. Various studies have been performed with regard to enhanced bioremediation, flushing and washing of soils, and water contaminated with metals alone or with hydrocarbons. Removal of heavy metals by biosurfactants occurs through solubilization, complexation, and ion exchange. Most biosurfactants investigated, including rhamnolipids, are anionic. Increased yields and new substrates and biosurfactants need to be investigated to increase economic feasibility. Newer applications are related to enhance electrokinetics, phytoremediation, and nanotechnology techniques. Despite the promising applications, field and full-scale remediations are still limited.
