Abstract: A rising number of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other inorganic and organic pollutants pose a threat to crop safety and human health due to the rapid development of industry and agriculture. Compared with other technologies, bioremediation is a low-cost and environmentally friendly technology. However, soil is a heterogeneous system comprised of inorganic clay minerals, organic matter, and organic-inorganic colloids that are capable of adsorbing pollutants. The efficiency of bioremediation is therefore limited by the bioavailability of pollutants. By contrast, the surface charge and absorption potential energy of the soil, as well as the speciation and solubility of pollutants may change as a result of surfactant addition. We reviewed the pollution status of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils, surfactant types, and the influence of various factors on the efficiency of bioremediation enhanced by surfactants. Furthermore, we summarized and prospectively discussed the disadvantages of bioremediation technique to provide a theoretical basis for future screenings and applications of surfactants.

Key words: surfactant, soil, heavy metal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, bioremediation