Introduction
The Institute of Biotechnology & Geotectonic Studies (INBIGS), located in Jorhat, Assam, was founded in May, 1989. Recognized as an ISO 9001:2015 certified and DSIR-accredited research and development institute, INBIGS undertakes a broad spectrum of research and applications within petroleum biotechnology. Its primary focus areas include crude oil bioremediation, geomicrobial hydrocarbon prospecting, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), biofuels, bacteriological monitoring of injection water, waste water recycling through membrane, molecular biology and geotectonics.
INBIGS actively collaborates with academic and research organizations. Notable collaborations include Tezpur Central University for field implementation of petroleum biotechnology research and CSIR-NEIST for developing membrane-based wastewater treatment solutions. These collaborations aim to translate research outcomes into practical field applications and advance innovative approaches in environmental management and petroleum biotechnology.
In 2024-25, INBIGS initiated a new research project exploring the phytoremediation capabilities of selected plant species, specifically Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta), Sleepy Plant (Mimosa pudica) & Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus) for degrading heavy metals in crude oil-contaminated soils. Additionally, the institute is investigating the use of the microalga, Chlorella vulgaris for bioremediation of crude oil-polluted effluent pits.
Capabilities
The core strengths of INBIGS are:
Environmental Conservation
- Bioremediation (Soil/Water) by means of microbes, plants (Phytoremediation) and algae (Phycoremediation)
- Green Energy Sources (Biofuels).
Exploration
- Geomicrobial Hydrocarbon Prospecting.
- Geotectonic Studies.
Production
- Microbial EOR
- Bacteriological Monitoring of Injection Water.
- Gas monitoring- H2S and dew-point
- Microbial Paraffin Degradation.
- Flow Assurance
Highlights of FY 2024-25
In FY 2024-25, INBIGS completed 10 inhouse projects, 3 collaborative projects and 3 projects spilled over to 2025-26.
Significant Projects
- Bioremediation of crude oil contaminated effluent & Soil in oil field of A&AA Basin, Assam Asset & Jorhat Asset.
- Geo-microbial Hydrocarbon prospecting study in Longai area.
- Development of new phytoremediation technique for degradation of heavy metals and crude oil using selected plant species.
- Studies on phycoremediation potential of microalgae using Chlorella vulgaris.
- Bacteriological Monitoring of Water Injection Plants in Borholla, Nambar and Khoraghat GGS.
- Water Quality Monitoring of water treatment plants and water supplies in ONGC Colonies at Cinnamara A&AA Basin, Assam.
- Upscaling and field application of in-house developed microbial culture for PAH (Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons) degradation in crude oil spillages.
Collaborative projects/Joint Research projects/ MOUs
- Collaborative project with NEIST Jorhat:
- Membrane based process for treatment of wastewater from Assam and Assam Arakan Basin, Jorhat WorkCentre and Recycling of Water.
- Collaborative research project with ONGC-CPBT, Tezpur University:
- Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soil/water by microaerophilic/ anaerobic bacterial consortium.
- Development of Phytoremediation Protocol for Bioremediation of Crude Oil Contamination.
Papers Published / Presented
The institute published/presented 6 papers in national/international - journals/conferences in 2024-25.
Technology Induction/Absorption
- Microbial biodegradation of PAH pollutants in oil spillage sites: INBIGS and KDMIPE- developed microbial consortium KDM-INB-MSM was applied in #MRDB site for PAH- bioremediation. It helped with the reduction in oil content from 49.65% to 0.5% in a time span of 7 months.
- Laminar Air Flow, Pour Point Apparatus and refrigerated rotatory evaporator were also procured and installed.
- Lyophilisation of bacterial culture for bioremediation of remote site was developed and applied
- Advance Upright Microscope: A fully automatic upright microscope was installed in December 2024. This advanced instrument offers optical magnification up to 103x and features a motorized Z-axis, as well as both bright and dark field viewing modes. It enables detailed studies of the morphological behaviour and characterization of microbes involved in bioremediation, geomicrobial prospecting, and various applications related to petroleum exploration.
- GC software was upgraded to ‘Chromeleon-7’ Chromatography Data System.
IPRs / Patents / Copyrights / Trademarks
The institute holds 1 patent as on 31st March 2025.
Patent granted: 1
Granted Patent no.- 407244 dated 21.09.2022 Indian Patent application no.- 201611008547 dated 11.03.2016. Title: - A process for removing Hydrogen Sulphide and Gainfully Recovering Carbon dioxide from Waste Gas.
Patents Filed: 5
- Process for enhancing biomass productivity by high density cultivation of microalgae
- Scalable harvesting method for production of microalgal Biomass feedstock
- Process for production of liquid transportation fuel via catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae biomass
- Fractional Hydrolysis Reactor System For Acid Hydrolysis Of Lignocellulose Biomass
- Novel Fractional Acid Hydrolysis process/ Method For The Production Of Fermentable Sugars From Lignocellulose Biomass
Awards/Recognition
- INBIGS received GEEF Global Waste & Recycling Award, in the category Waste & Recycling Management Project of the year 2024 in Delhi.
- INBIGS also received Greentech Pollution Control Waste Management & Recycling Award, 2024 in Pollution control leadership category in Guwahati.
