Measurement of Biosurfactant-Enhanced Solubilization and Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons

Biosurfactants are a chemically unique class of compounds produced by many bacterial and fungal genera. There are several thorough reviews concerning types of biosurfactants produced (1 ,2 ). This chapter addresses experimental methodology concerning one potential application of biosurfactants: Their use in accelerated remedration of hydrocarbon-contammated environments see also Chapter 3. This methodology includes specifics concerning the measurement of the effect of brosurfactants on both hydrocarbon solubtlization and hydrocarbon biodegradation.