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Environmental microorganisms have been widely applied in heavy metal remediation. This study explored the mechanisms of lead tolerance of two typical filamentous fungi, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum. It is shown that the mechanisms of reducing Pb toxicity by these two fungi have three major pathways. The secreted oxalic acid can react with Pb (II) to form insoluble Pb minerals, primarily lead oxalate. Then, the enhanced biosorption via forming new border of cell wall prevents the transportation of Pb (II) into hypha. In addition, the fungal activity could be maintained even at high Pb concentration due to the intracellular accumulation. It was confirmed that A. niger has the higher Pb tolerance (up to 1500 mg l -1 Pb level) compared with P. oxalicum (up to 1000 mg l -1 ). Meanwhile, Pb levels below 1000 mg l -1 partially stimulate the bioactivity of A. niger, which was confirmed by its elevated respiration (from 53 to 63 mg C l -1 medium h -1 ). This subsequently enhanced microbial functions of A. niger to resist Pb toxicity. A better understanding of Pb tolerance of these two fungi sheds a bright future of applying them to remediate lead-contaminated environments., (© 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)