This study constructed a genetically engineered Escherichia coli JM109 which simultaneously expressed nickel transport system and metallothionein to remove and recover Ni 2+ from aqueous solution. Bioaccumulation process was rapid and followed linearized Langmuir isotherm. A more than six-fold increase of Ni 2+ binding capacity was obtained by genetically engineered E. coli cells compared with original host E. coli cells. A pH assay showed genetically engineered E. coli cells accumulated Ni 2+ effectively over a broad range of pH (4–10). The presence of 1000 mg/L Na + and Ca 2+, or 50 mg/L Cd 2+ or Pb 2+ did not have a significant effect on Ni 2+ bioaccumulation, while Mg 2+, Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ posed a severe adverse influence on Ni 2+ uptake by genetically engineered E. coli. Furthermore, genetically engineered E. coli cells did not require extra nutrients for Ni 2+ bioaccumulation.