The batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of microwave/acid/alkali/H2O2 pretreated rice straw to ethanol was optimized using cellulase from Trichoderma reesei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae YC-097 cells prior to the fed-batch SSF studies. The batch SSF optima were 10% w/v substrate, 40 degrees C, 15 mg cellulase/g substrate, initial pH 5.3, and 72 hours. Under the optimum conditions the ethanol concentration and its yield were 29.1 g/L and 61.3% respectively. Based on the optimal batch SSF, the fed-batch SSF was investigated and its operation parameters were optimized. Under its optimal conditions the ethanol concentration reached 57.3 g/L, while its productivity and yield were only slightly less than those in the batch SSF. This suggests that fed-batch SSF is a potential operation mode for effective ethanol production from microwave/acid/alkali/H2O2 pretreated rice straw.