In the present study, ten microalgal strains found in fresh and saline waters were cultured, and used to conduct batch experiments in order to evaluate their potential contribution to nutrient removal and biofuel production. The growth rate of microalgae was inversely analogous to their initial concentration. Three freshwater strains were selected, based on their growth rate, and their behavior with synthetic wastewater was further investigated. The strains studied were the Scenedesmus rubescens (SAG 5.95), the Neochloris vigensis (SAG 80.80), and the Chlorococcum spec. (SAG 22.83), and higher growth rate was observed with S. rubescens. Total phosphorus removal at an initial phosphate concentration of 6-7 mg P/L in the synthetic wastewater, was 53%, 25% and 11% for N. vigensis, Chlorococcum spec., and S. rubescens, respectively. Finally, the lipid content was determined at 20th and 30th day of cultivation, and the highest amount was observed at the 20th day. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.