The effect of heavy metal ions (both biogenic Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn1+ and abiogenic Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+) on the growth of Bacillus licheniformis bacteria, and the kinetics of denitrification were studied. Rate constants and induction times of denitrification taking place in the media containing metal ions at different concentrations were determined. The order of toxicity of the metals and their maximum tolerable concentrations were established. Of the metals tested, the most toxic proved to be Hg2+ ions while the least toxic were Mn2+. The presence of heavy metal ions leads either to inhibition of denitrification at the stage of toxic nitrites or to total inhibition of bacterial growth.