@@@@Highlights •Engineered Bacillus subtilisstrain has high specificity and sensitivity to Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ in the environment.•Engineered B. subtilisBiofilm@Biochar living materials effectively adsorb heavy metal ions from water and soil.•Engineered B. subtilisBiofilm@Biochar living materials effectively reduce the accumulation of heavy metal ions in plants.