Recently heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental proplems threating ecology and human life. Removal of heavy metal from soil and waste water in industrial zones, craftsettlements, mining areas,... is always challenge to scientists. Amongs methods being used for the removal, the biosorption is considered as suitable method to remove heavy metal ions from soil and aqueous wastes in many countries in the world. This method is equally effective to developing countries like Vietnam because it is simple, low cost and friendly with environment. This review is to concentrate on several absorption and transformation mechanisms of heavy metals by aerobic microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, fungi and yeast. The information enhances the understanding of the absorption mechanisms of heavy metals and provides appropriate approaches to apply such species in the bioremediation of these common environmental pollutants.