Nitrate and phosphate uptake dynamics in two halotolerant strains of Chlorella vulgaris is differentially influenced by carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus supply

•Microalgae from a similar habitat show differences in nitrate and phosphate uptake.•Carbon supply influences nitrate and phosphate uptake differentially.•Nutrient depletion and biomass accumulation show a nonlinear relationship.•Kinetics of nutrient depletion and carbon fixation are nonlinear, in high supply.•Evidence suggests strain dependent influence of nutrient supply on uptake.