This study explored the biosorption dynamics of eight distinct metals (As3+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cr6+, and Ni2+) both individually and in combination with Pb2+ using Pb-resistant strains isolated from Saint Clair River. The presence of two metals in solution induced a mutual inhibition, hindering the adsorption process by the bacterial strains. In single-metal solutions, all strains efficiently removed substantial concentrations of metal cations, exceeding 50 mg g−1 dry mass, with Klebsiella strains R3 and R19 demonstrating superior removal efficiency. However, in the presence of two different metal cations, the binding process was inhibited, dependent on the metal combination, attributed to direct competition between the metals for binding sites within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The presence of Pb2+ notably influenced the adsorption of other metal ions, suggesting a higher affinity of cells and EPS for Pb2+. Strikingly, strains R3 and R19 exhibited enhanced Pb2+ removal in solutions containing Pb2+ and other metals, indicating their potential effectiveness in metal-contaminated environments. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified metal-specific preferences for distinct functional groups on the bacterial cell surface, with Pb2+ displaying an affinity for 15 different functional groups, highlighting its extensive interactions with the biomass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed significant changes in size, shape, and surface texture of Klebsiella sp. R19 under metal-induced stress, including a transition to a bulged rod-shaped configuration with metal particle depositions, resulting in reduced cell length. These findings emphasize the intricate dynamics of metal interactions within bacterial strains, underlining their efficiency in metal removal and suggesting promising applications for targeted bioremediation strategies in metal-contaminated environments.