Biosurfactants-Biochar Facilitated Bioremediation of Metal Contaminated Sites: A New era of Sustainable Development

:  Anthropogenic activities result in a high quantity of extraction and use of heavy metals. Heavy metals cannot be degraded and hence accumulated in environment, which in turn threatens the soil quality, plants survival and human health. Remediation of heavy metals deserves attention as it is a serious environmental issue but it is impaired the cost of these technologies. Application of biochar for remediation of such processes may provide a new solution. Efficient metal removal from soil matrix involves use of biosurfactants which subsequently help in adsorption and metals remediation by microorganisms immobilized on biochar. This review provides a state of the scientific research on biochar, its production processes, feeds tock condition and application in remediation of metal contaminate sites. As efficiency of this technology is enhanced to 100% removal, according to our present state of knowledge, this would be the first review which addresses the biosurfactants assisted bioremediation by using immobilized microorganism technology. Further research directions are identified to ensure a safe and sustainable use of biochar as a soil amendment for remediation of heavy metals contaminated soils.