Application of a novel process using biosurfactant rhamnolipid to reduce bioclogging in quartz sand during artificial recharge

•Rhamnolipid weakens the bacterial adsorption on the quartz sand.•Rhamnolipid reduces the production of biofilm biomass.•Rhamnolipid alleviates bioclogging in porous media during artificial recharge.•Hydrophobic interaction is the dominant mechanism by which rhamnolipid alleviates bioclogging.