Biomass from marine macroscopic plants

• Published in: Solar Energy 1980, Vol.25 (5), p.387-395
• Main Author: North, Wheeler J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: energy resources; fuels; natural resources
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/0038-092X(80)90444-2

Marine biomass production has several attractive features, the chief one being the large areas of ocean available for such activities. Disadvantages include the meager state of existing knowledge and the difficulties of operating under oceanic conditions. Algae have been farmed by Orientals for many years in estuaries and along coasts, but their techniques are frequently highly labor-intensive. Seaweeds tend to be low in cellulose and lignin (chemically refractile compounds common in terrestrial plants) but are typically high in water and salt contents. Because of the water content, bacterial digestive techniques seem favored for purposes of fuel production. Active research fields include primarily biological and engineering studies of biomass production systems, as well as investigations of fuel conversion processes and economics of proposed systems. Investigations of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have involved screening species to identify the highest producers, factors influencing productivity, and special studies such as efficiency with which nitrogen can be recycled within the culturing system. Investigations at the California Institute of Technology have emphasized culturing of a single, very large species, giant kelp. Efforts were made to identify the principal problems involved in growing plants in oceanic settings. Economic studies by three organizations have dealt primarily with feasibility of oceanic as opposed to coastal farming systems.