The use of agroindustrial by-products for biosurfactant production

Traditionally, hydrocarbons have been used for biosurfactant production. However, urban waste, peat pressate and agroindustrial by-products, such as olive oil mill effluent and acid whey, are possible substitutes for microbial growth and biosurfactant production. The state of the art has been reviewed, augmented by some new information onPseudomonas fermentation of olive oil mill effluent. More research is needed to improve yields and production economics.