Effects of inorganic carbon concentration on carbon formation, nitrate utilization, biomass and oil accumulation of Nannochloropsis oculata CS 179

► The percentage of DOC (% of TOC) decreased with the depletion of the DIC. ► NO3- assimilation was correlated with the DIC concentration. ► C16 and C18 series contents (% of FAME) fluctuated with the DIC. ► The iodine value (IV) of the algae was low at the low DIC media.