The role of redox agents in oil–water separation

The major environmental contaminants are oils, often known as petroleum, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Much focus has been given to developing new methods for elimination of these contaminants, as contamination caused by oil and oil products can prove to be hazardous. Redox agents have been proven to play crucial roles in separation of oil from water. One of the redox agents that causes surface reduction is biosurfactants. These are employed in the cleanup of oil contamination due to advantages such as biodegradability and low toxicity. The production cost of biosurfactants is less as they are made from affordable products, such as agricultural and industrial waste. Amphiphilic chemicals known as biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers are created by bacteria as cell membrane components. The function of biosurfactants in oil cleanup is highlighted in the current review, which also addresses biosurfactants as redox agents and their synthesis from bacteria.