In this paper, based on the mathematical models of microalgae growth, the performance of microalgae growth in nitrogen-limited and light-limited continuous culture is investigated and the effect of important factors on the growth is examined. The dilution rate and the influent inorganic nitrogen concentration have been shown to have a significant influence on the growth of microalgae in continuous culture. In order to obtain a maximum productivity of microalgae, lower dilution rate is better for a lower influent inorganic nitrogen concentration and an optimal dilution rate can be obtained for a higher influent inorganic nitrogen concentration. There is an optimal influent inorganic nitrogen concentration corresponding to maximum microalgae productivity, and the optimal value for lower dilution rate is far higher than that for higher dilution rate. This paper will lay a foundation for the design of the operational parameters of continuous culture PBR (photobioreactor). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.