Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells growing in minimal medium were 40-fold more sensitive to Ni2+ than cells growing in enriched medium, suggesting a possible protective role of medium ingredients. Likewise, cells pre-grown in enriched medium showed a high K-m, (6.15 mM) and increased Ni2+ uptake (950 nmol mg(-1) protein, 1h) over cells pre-sown in minimal medium (K-m, 0.48 mM; 146 nmol mg(-1) protein, 1 h). The overall pattern indicates that cells pre-grown in enriched medium were characterized by having lowered affinity towards Ni2+ than those with minimal medium background. The enhanced Ni2+ uptake by enriched medium-grown cells can be correlated with the improved metabolic state of the cells. Ni2+ uptake was optimum at neutrality (pH 7.0). A major Ni2+ transport system was competitively inhibited by Mg2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, or Co2+ (400 mu M each). Noticeably, a minor Ni2+ transport pathway was still operative even in the higher concentration range of Mg2+ (4 mM and 40 mM). The stimulation of Ni2+ uptake monitored in the presence of different carbon sources (0.5% wt/vol, each) showed the sequence: glucose (1.6-fold) > phenol = gallic acid (1.5-fold). Succinate, in comparison, reduced Ni2+ uptake (0.5-fold) possibly because of its acting as a metal chelator as well. Sensitivity of Ni2+ transport towards methyl viologen, azide, 2-4 DNP, and DCCD suggested that transport was energy-linked.