Hydrogen and electrical energy co-generation by a cooperative fermentation system comprising Clostridium and microbial fuel cell inoculated with port drainage sediment.

•Glucose fermentation by Clostridium beijerinckii gives mainly H2 and butyrate.•Native port drainage sediment can be an excellent biocatalyst for a MFC.•Acetate is the preferred substrate for energy generation in the MFC.•Maximum power density lies in the upper values of other reported – 1.25 W/m2.•The system is robust – power density remains constant for a long period.