The biomass and total lipid content and composition of twelve species of marine diatoms cultured under various environments

► Twelve species of purified marine diatoms were cultured in three different environments. ► Their fatty acid components and contents were analysed using gas chromatography. ► The total lipid content ranged from 30.2 ± 1.59% to 45.1 ± 2.39%. ► Diatoms accumulate different relative amounts of polyunsaturated or saturated fatty acids depending on their environment.