Enhanced removal of selected hydrocarbons from soil by <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa UG2</i> biosurfactants and some chemical surfactants

Abstract

Abstract The ability of rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa UG2 to wash a model hydrocarbon mixture from unsaturated soil columns was studied. Both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were effectively removed without soil clogging with non‐recirculating biosurfactant solutions. Recirculation of wash solutions did not substantially affect washing efficiency. Of the several chemical surfactants tested, only Triton X‐100 provided comparable hydrocarbon washing efficiency without soil clogging. The results suggest that UG2 biosurfactants have the potential for remediation of hydrophobic pollutants in unsaturated soil.