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Some aspects of heavy metals contamination remediation and role of biosurfactants |
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| Authors: | L.A. Sarubbo R.B. Rocha Jr J.M. Luna R.D. Rufino V.A. Santos I.M. Banat |
| Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Sciences and Technology, Catholic University of Pernambuco, Rua do Príncipe, n. 526, Boa Vista, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50050-900, Brazil;2. Centre for Management of Technology and Innovation, Rua da Praia, n.11, S?o José, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50000-000, Brazilleonie@unicap.br;4. Centre for Management of Technology and Innovation, Rua da Praia, n.11, S?o José, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50000-000, Brazil;5. Antibiotics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil;6. Centre for Management of Technology and Innovation, Rua da Praia, n.11, S?o José, Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50000-000, Brazil;7. Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK |
| Abstract: | Contamination by heavy metals is the result of different industrial activities. The presence of heavy metals in soil and water causes serious problems, as these materials are not biodegradable and do contaminate both biological systems and the subsoil. Biological surface-active compounds otherwise known as biosurfactants in general and rhamnolipids biosurfactants in particular have been successfully employed in the remediation of environments contaminated with heavy metal ions. The aim of the present review is to highlight potential applications of these tensioactive compounds for use in environmental heavy metals removal and bioremediation and processes involved. |
| Keywords: | biosurfactants heavy metals remediation |