Biosurfactant-mediated bio-nano remediation and resource recovery of environmental pollutants

Organic and inorganic pollutants in soil and water are a major global concern. They degrade only partially through natural processes such as photolysis, biodegradation, and sorption, owing to their complex nature, varied oxidation states, and low bioavailability to degrading microorganisms. Both chemical surfactants and biosurfactants have been applied for pollutant degradation, but chemical surfactants raise cost and secondary-toxicity concerns. Environmental organizations worldwide emphasize eco-friendly methods to remediate pollutants and restore contaminated ecosystems. Recently, researchers have focused on biosurfactant-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled bioremediation as a sustainable strategy for degrading diverse pollutants. Framed as a sustainable bioprocess, this approach also enables valorization of waste streams and recovery of resources, such as immobilizing or recovering heavy metals, rather than simply removing contaminants.GoalThis Research Topic aims to advance the understanding and application of biosurfactant-assisted bio-nano remediation as a sustainable, eco-friendly bioprocess for organic and inorganic pollutants in soil and water. Integrating biosurfactants with functional nanomaterials can enhance pollutant solubility, mobility, bioavailability, and degradation while minimizing the environmental impact associated with chemical surfactants. Beyond pollutant removal, the Research Topic emphasizes the valorization of waste streams and the recovery of resources during remediation, including the immobilization, recovery, and biomineralization of heavy metals and nutrients. We seek to bring together interdisciplinary research on the development, optimization, and field application of biosurfactant-assisted bio-nano remediation. Contributions are welcome that explore novel biosurfactants, functional nanomaterials, microbial interactions, degradation and biomineralization mechanisms, process optimization, ecotoxicity assessment, and pilot- and field-scale implementation, linking fundamental mechanisms to practical, resource-oriented remediation technologies.Scope and information for authorsThis Research Topic invites interdisciplinary contributions that advance the development and application of biosurfactant-assisted bio-nano remediation for the sustainable treatment of environmental pollutants and the recovery of resources. Topics include following category:• Biosurfactant production and characterization, including biosynthesis from agro-industrial waste streams• Biosurfactant-mediated degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants• Biosurfactant- and nanoparticle-assisted pollutant degradation• Biosurfactant-mediated degradation and underlying mechanisms• Biosurfactant–nanoparticle interactions and the remediation process• Remediation process optimization and ecotoxicity assessment• Resource recovery and biomineralization during remediation, including recovery or immobilization of heavy metals and nutrients• Pilot- and field-scale development and applicationsWe welcome contributions that provide novel scientific insights, technological innovations, and practical applications for environmental pollutant remediation and resource recovery through biosurfactant-assisted bio-nano methods. Topic editors: Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan, Elumalai Punniyakotti, Guoyong Huang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84638/biosurfactant-mediated-bio-nano-remediation-and-resource-recovery-of-environmental-pollutants