Abstract

Oil spills during drilling and production operations presenting significant environmental challenges, is a critical issue in oil exploration globally. Bioremediation, by utilizing living organism to biologically break down environmental contaminants, has emerged as a powerful tool for mitigating petroleum pollution, particularly from accidental crude oil spills during exploration and production. Recognizing its potential, the Institute of Biotechnology and Geotectonic Studies (INBIGS) has been at the forefront of both research and field deployment of bioremediation strategies. INBIGS in collaboration with Tezpur University has already developed a unique microbial consortium tailored to degrade broad spectrum hydrocarbon pollutants. This consortium efficiently degrades crude-oil based contaminants transforming them into various chemicals of less harmful effects. Bioremediation has been successfully completed in three sites in Geleki, Two sites in Rudrasagar; One site in Charaimoria; One site in Mackeypore; of Assam Asset and one site in Nambar of Jorhat Asset of ONGC oil fields. Field data confirmed bioremediation’s effectiveness as oil content in effluent pits were reduced to <10 parts per million (ppm). Additionally, regrowth of vegetation and the return of local wildlife indicated ecological recovery. The project not only demonstrated superior environmental outcomes but also resulted in significant cost savings. The effort resulted in the successful bioremediation of approximately 57302.2 m3 of crude oil contaminated effluent in 22 pits in the year 2024- 25. Observations of flora and fauna growth postbioremediation emphasized the success of fieldwork in controlling oil pollution and achieving timely site reclamation.