Microalgal strains of the genus Scenedesmus are a promising resource for commercial biotechnological applications. The temperature-, pH- and light-dependent growth of Scenedesmus ovalternus has been investigated on a laboratory scale. Best batch process performance was obtained at 30 degrees C, pH 8.0 and an incident photon flux density of 1300 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1) using a flat-plate gas-lift photobioreactor. Highest growth rate (0.11 h(-1)) and space-time yield (1.7 +/- 0.1 gCDW L-1 d(-1)) were observed when applying these reaction conditions. Biomass concentrations of up to 7.5 +/- 0.1 gCDW L-1 were achieved within six days (25.0 +/- 0.5 gCDW m(-2) d(-1)). The light-dependent growth kinetics of S. ovalternus was identified using Schuster's light transfer model and Andrews' light inhibition model (K-S = 545 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1); K-I = 2744 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1); mu max = 0.21 h(-1)). The optimal mean integral photon flux density for growth of S. ovalternus was estimated to be 1223 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.