RESUMEN

This paper examines the impact of biopolymers on hydraulic conductivity of soils, representing a key parameter for many environmental and geotechnical applications. The complexity of this relationship is compounded by researchers employing diverse approaches and presentation formats, resulting in apparent inconsistencies. However, this review intends to address these challenges by identifying various categories of biopolymers that influence the hydraulic conductivity and discuss the recent research findings. By elucidating the diverse impacts of these biopolymers on hydraulic conductivity, this review offers valuable insights into the historical development and origins of soils treated with hydraulic conductivity modifying biopolymers. It not only traces the evolution and background of these treatments but also identifies areas of conflicting evidence and ongoing debate in the field. In the overall, this review is an essential resource for engineers and researchers working in the geotechnical field, by providing a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics between biopolymers and soil hydraulic conductivity. The newly developed multi-variable functions can be systematically utilized to predict the hydraulic conductivity of soils treated with biopolymers, commonly encountered in various geotechnical and environmental engineering applications.