Chapter 24
Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use
of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers, Enzymes,
Biopesticides, GMOs
Martin Halecký and Evguenii Kozliak
Abstract New trends in bioremediation are reviewed with the major focus on
applications of both synthetic and biological surfactants including high molecular
weight bioemulsifiers. The use of eco-friendly biosurfactants is discussed including
their applications for removal of heavy metals from soil in addition to traditional
organic contaminants. Both success stories and limitations of biosurfactant applications are described on the basis of current literature. Another newly developed
technology, the use of enzymes (free or immobilized) instead of/in combination
with microorganisms is discussed with respect to removal of both organic contaminants and metals from soil along with addressing the key disadvantage of the
enzyme application, which is its high cost. Application of genetically modified
organisms, i.e., microorganisms and plants, for soil bioremediation is reviewed
focusing on introduction into the environment as well as contained use in closed
reactors. Finally, a brief review is provided on the current research and application of
biopesticides as promising agents for prevention of soil contamination.
Keywords Biosurfactants · Synthetic surfactants · Emulsifiers · Enzymes ·
Biopesticides · GMOs
24.1 Introduction
As mentioned in the introduction to Part V, several decontamination methods have
been successfully used for soil and sediment cleaning for decades. Some of them,
however, require application of drastic conditions and/or use of toxic agents causing
a negative impact on the local wildlife and the environment. In addition, these
traditional decontamination methods in many cases ended up incurring rather high
M. Halecký (*)
Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech
Republic
e-mail: martin.halecky@vscht.cz
E. Kozliak
Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
J. Filip et al. (eds.), Advanced Nano-Bio Technologies for Water and Soil Treatment,
Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29840-1_24
495
Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use
of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers, Enzymes,
Biopesticides, GMOs
Martin Halecký and Evguenii Kozliak
Abstract New trends in bioremediation are reviewed with the major focus on
applications of both synthetic and biological surfactants including high molecular
weight bioemulsifiers. The use of eco-friendly biosurfactants is discussed including
their applications for removal of heavy metals from soil in addition to traditional
organic contaminants. Both success stories and limitations of biosurfactant applications are described on the basis of current literature. Another newly developed
technology, the use of enzymes (free or immobilized) instead of/in combination
with microorganisms is discussed with respect to removal of both organic contaminants and metals from soil along with addressing the key disadvantage of the
enzyme application, which is its high cost. Application of genetically modified
organisms, i.e., microorganisms and plants, for soil bioremediation is reviewed
focusing on introduction into the environment as well as contained use in closed
reactors. Finally, a brief review is provided on the current research and application of
biopesticides as promising agents for prevention of soil contamination.
Keywords Biosurfactants · Synthetic surfactants · Emulsifiers · Enzymes ·
Biopesticides · GMOs
24.1 Introduction
As mentioned in the introduction to Part V, several decontamination methods have
been successfully used for soil and sediment cleaning for decades. Some of them,
however, require application of drastic conditions and/or use of toxic agents causing
a negative impact on the local wildlife and the environment. In addition, these
traditional decontamination methods in many cases ended up incurring rather high
M. Halecký (*)
Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech
Republic
e-mail: martin.halecky@vscht.cz
E. Kozliak
Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
J. Filip et al. (eds.), Advanced Nano-Bio Technologies for Water and Soil Treatment,
Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29840-1_24
495