Absorption of $ extrm{Pb}^{2-}$ from aqueous solution was studied using Staphylococcus epidermidis. Cells of exponential phase were employed as absorbents. Uptake ratio defined as the ratio of amount of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ absorbed to that of initial $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$. Absorption of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ increased with increase in cell concentration. while amount of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ per unit cell mass decreased. Uptake ratio of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ augmented and then diminished after exhibiting a maximum as the pH of the solution increased. Equilibrium absorption of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ deviated from Freundlich isotherm especially at higher concentration of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ due to the precipitation phenomena. HCI and EDTA were founded to desorb $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ more effectively than $ extrm{Na}_{2} extrm{CO}_{3}$ or $ extrm{NaHCO}_{3}$. After 10 cycles of absorption and desorption. $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ absorption capability remained almost unchanged and the biomass had leaked out 30-40 wt/%. Uptake ratio of Pb2+ decreased in the presence of other heavy metal ions due to the competitive absorption The inhibition of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ absorption appeared to have a strong correlation with ionic radius of the competing ions. Especially $ extrm{Cr}^{3-}$, $ extrm{Co}^{2+}$ or $ extrm{Fe}^{2+}$ having smaller ionic radius depressed more significantly the uptake of $ extrm{Pb}^{2+}$ than any other metal ions tested.