This study assessed the interactive effects of UVR and nutrient depletion on Chlorella fusca cultures on the production and accumulation of particular biomolecules. To accomplish this, algae were grown for 5 d in outdoor thin-layer cascade cultivators under 3 nutrient treatments (full nutrients, -N and -S) and then transferred to outdoor cylindrical photobiore-actors for another 5 d. Cultures were then exposed to full solar radiation (PAB) and decreased UVR. During the last 5 d, bio-optical properties, photosynthetic activity, pigments, biochemical composition and oxidative stress were assessed. Initially, nutrient depletion caused changes in productivity and cell number in a manner that affected biochemical composition. After 3 d, the percentage of lipids in the cultures under N deprivation reached values appropriate for being used as feed or food additives or for energy applications (35% of lipid content), regardless of the light conditions. A longer exposure (5 d) resulted in interactive effects of light and nutrient conditions. Specifically, PAB increased lipid content in all cases (1.3- to 2.3-fold), but particularly under S deprivation. Longer exposure to PAB also increased oxidative stress in UVR and nutrient-limited treatments (-N and -S). These results showed that the benefits expected from nutrient depletion (increase in biomolecule content e.g. lipids, carbohydrates and pigments) were modulated by the negative effects of algal UVR acclimation costs