In the present study, the microalgal strain Scenedesmus quadricauda was studied in different air injection rates and different medium nitrogen concentrations of Lefebvre-czarda medium by using a flat plate photobioreactor. The result showed that air injection enhanced the biomass concentration, however, high air injection rate did not cause the increasing of growth and biomass concentration. The best air injection rate for saving injection energy among 5 to 65 L/min was 15 L/min. Besides, lipid content was not affected by different air injection rates. Three nitrogen concentrations which are standard, double and triple nitrogen concentrations of Lefebvre-czarda medium were tested. The result of nitrogen effect indicated that the lipid content was enhanced by low medium nitrogen concentration. The highest biomass concentration and lipid content were obtained in standard medium nitrogen concentration of Lefebvre-czarda medium. © 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.