One of the key processes to achieve the goal of microalgae-based biofuel production is to find the promising species of microalga. Golenkinia sp. remains mysterious, due to few reports of its properties and applications. An indigenous Golenkinia sp. named SDEC-16 was encountered. Usually their cell diameter ranges from 7 to 18 mu m with self-sedimentation ability. The maximum biomass yield can reach 2.05 g L-1 and 1.90 g L-1 at the end of growth in BG-11 medium and campus sewage, respectively. The highest lipid content is 26.73% in campus sewage and 37.28% in BG-11 medium, corresponding to lipid productivities of 15.62 and 43.43 mg L(-1)d(-1). The main fatty acid components are suitable for biofuel. In addition, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency approach nearly 100% from wastewater. In conclusion, Golenkinia SDEC-16 displays enough 'charm' to become a promising candidate to be a feedstock for biofuel production and wastewater treatment. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.