A bacterial consortia, mainly Alcanivorax, was selected from contaminated sediments.
Its exposure to Cu, Pb and Cu + Pb was monitored for 11 days of bioassay.
The biomass kept 108 cells·mL− 1 and enzymes showed distinct trends during exposure.
Results indicated lead biosorption and copper efflux for 11 days of exposure.
Biomarkers are necessary to assess resistance and tolerance of stressed communities.