Abstract
<jats:p>The use of surfactants in the treatment of wastewater generated by textile industry activities is recommended in many studies in the literature. In this context, previous studies have shown that surfactants greatly improve the solubility of hydrophobic dyes, thereby increasing their bioavailability for microorganisms and thus stimulating their biodegradation. On the other hand, it has also been stated in the literature that surfactants may enhance enzyme activation in enzymatic dye removal. Recently, there has been increased interest in biosurfactants, which successfully perform these mechanisms in which surfactants play a role, but with greater advantages. In particular, biosurfactants produced by microorganisms have the benefits of low production costs and being biologically compatible. This chapter aims to provide information about the properties, differences, and usage areas of surfactants and biosurfactants, and then to summarize the information in the literature regarding the use of both surfactants and biosurfactants in the bioremediation of textile wastewater. The information provided shows that the discovery of novel biosurfactants, examination of their properties, and determination of their potential for use in the treatment of wastewater are still current and important research topics.</jats:p>