hydrocarbons occurring as separate phases forming emulsions or microemulsions.
High molecular weight biosurfactants, i.e., bioemulsifiers physically interact with
both the immiscible liquid, typically oil occurring as small droplets, and water, thus
stabilizing the interface between these two phases in the suspension.
Many biosurfactants are anionic; therefore, they may form ionic or coordination bonds with heavy metals that are stronger than weak metal–soil interactions.
This process is enhanced by lowering the interfacial tension. On the other hand,
Fig. 24.2 Action of high-molecular-mass biosurfactants. Biosurfactant-coated oil particles (emulsion) or droplets (microemulsions) are released with either an increased interfacial surface, mobility,
and bioavailablability or even become directly available for microorganisms (da Rosa et al. 2015;
Cameotra and Singh 2009)
24 Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers. . .
501
High molecular weight biosurfactants, i.e., bioemulsifiers physically interact with
both the immiscible liquid, typically oil occurring as small droplets, and water, thus
stabilizing the interface between these two phases in the suspension.
Many biosurfactants are anionic; therefore, they may form ionic or coordination bonds with heavy metals that are stronger than weak metal–soil interactions.
This process is enhanced by lowering the interfacial tension. On the other hand,
Fig. 24.2 Action of high-molecular-mass biosurfactants. Biosurfactant-coated oil particles (emulsion) or droplets (microemulsions) are released with either an increased interfacial surface, mobility,
and bioavailablability or even become directly available for microorganisms (da Rosa et al. 2015;
Cameotra and Singh 2009)
24 Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers. . .
501