The Microplate-based method is a useful means for high-throughput screening and kinetic studies of microalgal growth. In this study, the statistical evaluation of growth and carbohydrate production by a marine microalga, designated as Picochlorum sp. D8, which is taxonomically affiliated to Picochlorum sp. SENEW3 was done on a miniaturized scale. Initially, the significance of various factors was studied by using the Plackett-Burman Design. The Central Composite Design was applied to compute the optimum level of significant factors, e.g., phosphate (KH2PO4+K2HPO4) and FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O. Maximum carbohydrate production was obtained at low phosphate (0.148 g/L) and FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O (0.009 g/L) concentrations. The validation experiments were carried out under optimal conditions, where carbohydrate content increased by 3.5 times. The analyses of the results showed a quadratic effect of phosphate and FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O concentrations. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.