The exopolysaccharides (EPS) accumulation of Klebsiella sp. L72 responding to Cadmium (Cd2+) exposure

Cd2+ exposure poses a serious threat to ecological safety and human health; however, certain bacterial species can produce EPS as a strategy for survival in contaminated environments. This study demonstrated that K. pasteurii L72 increased EPS yield with long-term exposure to Cd2+, and could effectively remove Cd2+. The removal pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in its response to Cd2+ were determined by integrating physicochemical, genome, and transcriptome analyses. These findings deepen the understanding of adaptive responses of K. pasteurii L72to Cd2+ stress, as well as provide valuable microbial resources and potential biotechnological applications for future bioremediation of Cd2+ in contaminated environmental systems.