Green remediation and recovery of contaminants using biosurfactants

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As the goal of remediation is restoration of the environment, the remediation or treatment of the contamination should be as sustainable as possible. Some guidelines for site remediation exist to reduce the environmental footprint of the remediation process. All three aspects of environmental, social and economic must be considered. The core elements for sustainability include air emission minimization, stakeholder involvement, efficient and economic cleanup, and minimization of energy use, enhancing the human environment, reduction of land and ecosystem impacts, minimization of materials and wastes and water impact and inclusion of stakeholders. A potential solution for the pump and treatment method could involve the use of biobased products such as biological surfactants instead of petroleum-based ones. Mulligan (2014) has shown that biodegradable, non-toxic products called biosurfactants (eg., rhamnolipids and sophorolipids) can be produced from waste materials and can be employed for soil flushing or washing for metal and organic contaminants or for enhanced biodegradation of organic pollutants. Biosurfactant applications for remediation of contaminated soil and water are promising due to their low toxicity biodegradability, unlimited applicability and relative low production cost for sustainable remediation and critical micelle concentration (CMC) and high effectiveness in enhancing biodegradation and affinity for metals. Studies showed that for effective application of biosurfactants, they should be selected based on pollutant characteristics and properties, treatment capacity, costs, regulatory requirements, and time constraints. Moreover, understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between biosurfactants and contaminants can assist in selection of the appropriate biosurfactants for sustainable remediation. Therefore, the objectives of the research will be the development and application of biosurfactants for remediation as a potentially more sustainable option over the entire life will be can be achieved . The first step is through in situ production of biosurfactants. Most research has involved rhamnolipids. Other biosurfactants and process scale-up need further investigation. The next step is the remediation process itself. Indicators will be identified for measurement of the sustainability of the remediation. Minimization of energy, water use and greenhouse emissions will be some of the indicators to be used. Recycling of materials from the remediation process will be optimized. This includes for example recovery of biosurfactants, nanomaterials, organic and metal contaminants from the water effluents by Micelle Enhanced Ultrafiltration. Soil quality will be evaluated after remediation to ensure reduction in toxicity and process sustainability. The research will lead to a more sustainable remediation process for contaminated soils, sediments and wastes and training of highly qualified personnel with significant attributes.