Bacteria with improved survival under toxic and oxidative stress and methods of using the same for bioremediation are described. Many bacteria such as Escherichia coli have been found to naturally reduce toxic pollutants into a less toxic form, such as by reducing Chromium (VI) to Chromium (III). Reducing such toxins generates damaging reactive oxygen species, so it is important to find a defense for these bacteria against the associated oxidative stress. Trehalose is a small biomolecule that has been shown to protect bacteria from various types of stress by accumulating within the cells. The present invention is directed to bacteria genetically modified to overexpress trehalose biosynthesis genes. The bacteria demonstrate improved viability when challenged with toxins and oxidative stress. The present invention provides inexpensive and beneficial bacteria and methods for environmental remediation.