Evaluation of oil-producing algae as potential biodiesel feedstock

► Seven oil-producing algae were cultured indoors. ► Chlorella sp. NJ-18 was selected for further study because it had the highest lipid productivity. ► Nitrogen and phosphorus were optimized for Chlorella sp. NJ-18 indoors. ► Chlorella sp. NJ-18 could obtain high lipid productivity and preferred fatty acids in the outdoors. ► A semi-continuous cultivation mode was a good strategy for higher biomass and lipid productivity.