Oil productivity of the tropical marine diatom Thalassiosira sp.

► Tropical marine diatom Thalassiosira sp. grows well in enriched seawater medium. ► Biomass density and oil productivity of the algae are 2.50 g L−1 and 290 μL L−1 d−1. ► The algal biodiesel characteristics may be suitable for use at least as household fuel.