An innovative, easy-to-use, low-cost, and selective method was developed to synthesize interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) as adsorbents for metal ions. The novel IPNs were characterized using various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis. The IPNs were synthesized using Polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylamide, and phenol-formaldehyde. The adsorption data demonstrated that the newly synthesized IPNs exhibited superior adsorption performance for metal ions. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to estimate the adsorption capacity of the IPNs for metal ions, focusing on Cd (II) and Pb (II). The study also examined the effects of pH and equilibrium conditions on the adsorption process, while determining the maximum reaction capacity of the metal ions. The results revealed that the (AM-co-AN)/resole semi-IPNs displayed an enhanced ability to remove Cd (II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions using a batch system. This study also tested an effect (AM-co-AN)/resole semi-IPNs On biological activity.