Defatted heterotrophic microalgae (Aurantiochytrium limacinum SR21) was treated with high temperature water (175-350 degrees C, 10-90 min) to obtain nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients as a water soluble fraction (WS). Yields of nitrogen and phosphorous recovered in WS varied from 38 to 100% and from 57 to 99%, respectively. Maximum yields of nitrogen containing compounds in WS were proteins (43%), amino acids (12%) and ammonia (60%) at treatment temperatures of 175, 250 and 350 degrees C, respectively. Maximum yield of phosphorous in WS was 99% at a treatment temperature of 250 degrees C. Cultivation experiments of microalgae (A. limacinum SR21) using WS obtained at 200 and 250 degrees C showed positive growth. Water soluble fractions from hydrothermal treatment of defatted microalgae are effective nitrogen and phosphorous nutrient sources for microalgae cultivation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.