Framework to improve biohydrogen generation with estrogen co-metabolism under complete suppression of nitrogen source

•Co-metabolism of ethynylestradiol (EE2) with glycerol enhances hydrogen production.•Enhanced hydrogen production under nitrogen limiting conditions.•Different substrate inputs affect the hydrogen production due to metabolic route changes.•Enhanced hydrogen production in non-growing conditions than growing conditions.•78% EE2 degradation by Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain MDOC01 in 168 h.