Effect of ferric ion on nitrogen consumption, biomass and oil accumulation of a Scenedesmus rubescens-like microalga

► Scenedesmus rubescens-like microalga prefers Fe2+–SO42-/EDTA as the iron source. ► High or low Fe2+ concentration restricts ammonia consumption and FAME accumulation. ► Fe2+ concentrations significantly affect the FAME profiles and productivity. ► High C18 content of this species strengthen its potential for biodiesel production. This investigation examined the effects of ferric ion source and concentration on the biomass yield, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) productivity and composition from Scenedesmus rubescens-like microalga. The algae cultivated with Fe2+–SO42-/EDTA had higher ash free dry biomass (AFDB) production and in vivo chlorophyll a concentration than those with Fe2+–SO42- and Fe3+–Cl− (P