Effects of biosurfactants on biodegradation of soil HOCs: from the microbial aspect

In this paper, the microbial effects of biosurfactants in the remediation of the soil contaminated by hydrophobic organic compounds are given. The capability of biosurfactants to change the mobility and transportability of cells in the soil matrix as well as the microbial adhesion on the contaminants is reviewed. Finally, interaction mode of biosurfactants and cell membrane is also analyzed, and the mechanism of the biosurfactants to change the bioavailability and degradability of the contaminants in terms of the degradative microorganisms is basically revealed.