Dissertation Title: Marine Microorganisms as Feedstocks for Biofuel Production: A Systematic Literature Review
Research Methodology: Systematic literature review
Research Design: Systematic review with thematic qualitative synthesis (thematic analysis of included studies)
Abstract
Background: The growing global population and rapid industrialisation have intensified the demand for energy, exacerbating an already critical energy crisis. Conventional fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source but are major contributors to environmental degradation through carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. This context has accelerated the search for sustainable, low-carbon energy alternatives. Marine environments host diverse microorganisms and plants that may offer promising biofuel feedstocks and biocatalysts, yet this potential remains comparatively underexplored.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the role of marine microorganisms and marine plants in biofuel production, with a particular focus on their potential as feedstocks and biocatalysts in sustainable bioenergy systems.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and synthesise existing evidence on the use of marine organisms in biofuel production. Three electronic databases—PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest Biology—were searched using predefined keywords related to marine organisms and biofuels. From an initial pool of 130 records, 10 studies met all inclusion criteria and were selected for detailed review. Data from the included studies were analysed thematically to identify recurrent concepts and applications.
Results: Thematic analysis generated three main themes: (1) marine bacteria and fungi as oleaginous feedstocks, highlighting their ability to accumulate lipids and produce enzymes that enhance conversion efficiency; (2) marine algae as a biofuel feedstock, emphasising high growth rates, photosynthetic efficiency, and suitability for biodiesel and bioethanol production; and (3) seagrasses as feedstock for biofuel production, focusing on their lignocellulosic biomass potential. Across the reviewed studies, marine bacteria, fungi, and their enzymes were shown to play a central role in improving the efficiency of biofuel processing, while marine algae and seagrasses were identified as viable primary feedstocks for various biofuel pathways.
Conclusion: This review indicates that marine organisms—particularly bacteria, fungi, algae, and seagrasses—offer substantial potential for diversifying and improving biofuel production. Marine microorganisms can enhance process efficiency through lipid accumulation and enzymatic activity, whereas marine algae and seagrasses provide sustainable biomass feedstocks that do not compete directly with terrestrial food crops. Further research is warranted to optimise cultivation, harvesting, and conversion technologies and to evaluate environmental and economic feasibility at scale.
Keywords: marine organisms, biofuel, marine fungi and bacteria, marine algae, seagrass