Novel lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by hydrocarbon degrading and heavy metal tolerant bacterium Escherichia fergusonii KLU01 as a potential tool for bioremediation

► The strain Escherichia fergusonii KLU01 produced novel lipopeptide biosurfactant. ► The critical micelle concentration of the biosurfactant was 36 mg/L. ► The biosurfactant was extremely stable and a potent emulsifier. ► The strain was found to be hydrocarbon degrading and heavy metal tolerant.