Synergistic integration of biosurfactants and membrane filtration for sustainable environmental remediation

Nature and humanity are threatened by industrial and urban development that leads to pollution of the land, water, and air. Heavy metals, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) all contribute to the lack of clean water and also require remediation. The potential of a combined system of biosurfactants and membrane filtration, namely micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) for the efficient separation of pollutants, is analyzed in this review. The use of biosurfactants like rhamnolipids and surfactin improves bioremediation of pollutants by increasing their bioavailability, while MEUF already accomplishes rejection rates of over 95% for metals and organics. The novelty is in the combination of the biological engineering for biosurfactant production, advanced fouling control, and sustainability considerations through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy approaches. Physicochemical treatments and improved organization of the process are deployed to avoid, among others, fouling and scaling. The study contributes a green and scalable approach to a form of remediation with practical implications for water security and the restoration of ecosystems.