To overcome phosphorus deficiency in municipal solid waste composting leachate, orthophosphate (OP) and pyrophosphate (PP) were separately added into leachate to evaluate the possibility of fermentative H-2 production with leachate and phosphorus-rich streams as a full nutrient source. Results indicate H-2 production is significantly promoted by OP addition but slightly facilitated by PP in some cases, depending on initial pH and P dosage. The highest hydrogen yield (1.95 +/- 0.07 mol H-2/mol glucose) was achieved at a COD/P ratio of 27.64 (mg/mg) with OP as phosphorus source at initial pH 5. For PP, a maximum yield of 1.58 +/- 0.09 mol H-2/mol glucose can be attained at the optimal COD/P ratio of 221.12 (mg/mg) and initial pH 5. OP promotes H-2 production via dual approaches: supplying nutrient and relieving inhibition from excessive Ca2+ on granule sludge. However, both the roles in nutrient supply and Ca2+ removal by PP addition are limited. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.