Recent Updates on the Role of Biosurfactants forRemediation of Various Pollutants

TL;DR: The surface activity of the biosurfactants enables them to function as excellent emulsifiers, dispersing, and foaming agents, which aid them to play key roles in various fields of applications, including the removal of toxic environmental pollutants as discussed by the authors.

Abstract: Abatement of environmental pollution is considered as one of the most serious global threat. The toxic pollutants viz. heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, synthetic dyes, etc. cause severe harm to mankind and hence, attention is being given to the technology development to eliminate these pollutants. Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds in nature, which are secreted as an extracellular substance by microorganisms. Compared to chemical based equivalents, biological compounds possess many advantages of being eco-friendly, biodegradable, cost-effective, less toxic and non-hazardous. A wide array of biosurfactants will regard them as attractive compounds that have wide application in industries, environmental remediation and other biotechnological applications. The surface activity of the biosurfactants enables them to function as excellent emulsifiers, dispersing, and foaming agents. Added to this, low toxicity, high solubilization capacity and good biodegradability characteristics aid them to play key roles in various fields of applications, including the removal of toxic environmental pollutants. This chapter aims to highlight the updated research on the application of biosurfactants towards various types of pollutants removal.