Simultaneous Removal of Copper, Lead, and Zinc From Water Using a Novel Magnetized <i>Lippia javanica</i> Biosorbent

ABSTRACT A novel magnetized Lippia javanica (Fe‐ L. javanica ) biosorbent was synthesized and applied to address the environmental and health risks associated with the release of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions into aquatic systems. Characterization confirmed successful modification of L. javanica , with Fe‐O groups detected by EDX, spherical nanoparticles observed via SEM, and enhanced thermal stability shown by TGA. The shift in pHpzc from 5.96 to 6.3 further indicated improved metal adsorption capacity. Adsorption studies showed higher removal efficiencies for Fe‐ L. javanica (up to 97%) compared to unmodified biomass. Statistical analysis (F‐test and ANOVA) confirmed that key parameters significantly affected performance. Kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order model ( R 2 &gt; 0.99), while the Freundlich and Weber–Morris models suggested multilayer adsorption and a multi‐step sorption mechanism. Equilibrium studies revealed higher maximum adsorption capacities ( Q max ) for Fe‐ L. javanica (Cu: 119.04 mg/g, Zn: 142.85 mg/g, Pb: 181.81 mg/g) compared to unmodified L. javanica . Both biosorbents demonstrated high removal efficiencies in real water samples (81.26%–98.22%) and were successfully regenerated and reused over five cycles with 83%–97% efficiency. The study highlights Fe‐ L. javanica as a cost‐effective, sustainable, and magnetically separable adsorbent for efficient heavy metal removal from contaminated water.