Applications of biosolvents in environmental remediation

Abstract Solvents are abundantly used by different industries for the manufacture of consumer products and as a starting or intermediate material for many chemical procedures and reactions. Usage of conventional solvents has detrimental effects on both human fitness and the environment. Conventional solvents cause air, water, land, and noise pollution because of the emission of hazardous materials like heavy metals, volatile compounds, greenhouse gas emission, and toxic vapors of solvents that cause dangerous diseases in humans, influences aquatic life and other species living in the ecosystem, and disrupts the food chain. In the last few decades after the introduction of “green chemistry,” interest has been increasing for the implementation of bio-based solvents produced from renewable and bio-based feedstocks. Different studies have been conducted on the usage of feedstocks producing biosolvents such as starch, lignocellulose, plant oils, animal fats, etc. In this chapter, we review the types, properties, and uses of biosolvents in different industries to remediate and achieve a sustainable environment.