The cleaning of machinery, petroleum storage tanks and equipment leads to the accumulation of petroleum products in the environment. The removal of grease adhered to motors is a specific challenge. Cleaning processes require direct application of surfactants or solvents, which most often generate further environmental problems due to the accumulation of these toxic substances. The majority of available surfactants are synthesized from petroleum derivatives. However, environmental laws have motivated the development of natural surfactants as an alternative to existing products. Biosurfactants can be obtained from microorganisms and plants. Biodegradable detergents can also be obtained through chemical synthesis. This review presents different alternatives for obtaining biodetergents as well as their industrial applications for the removal of heavy oils and the reduction of cleaning and labor costs in industries.

机械，石油储罐和设备的清洁导致环境中石油产品的积累。去除附着在电机上的油脂是一个特殊的挑战。清洁过程需要直接使用表面活性剂或溶剂，由于这些有毒物质的积累，表面活性剂或溶剂通常会进一步导致环境问题。大多数可用的表面活性剂是从石油衍生物合成的。但是，环境法律促使人们开发天然表面活性剂以替代现有产品。生物表面活性剂可获自微生物和植物。可生物降解的洗涤剂也可以通过化学合成获得。