A novel, cost-effective, and selective method was developed for synthesizing interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) to be used as efficient adsorbents for metal ions. The IPNs were successfully synthesized by copolymerization of acrylic acid with polyacrylamide, and synthesized IPNs with phenol formaldehyde were thoroughly characterized using various techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermodynamic evaluation Newly synthesized IPNs' adsorption efficiency was measured, with special attention paid to their effectiveness in adsorbing the Pb(II) metal ion. The results clearly indicate that the IPNs exhibit superior adsorption capabilities compared to other materials. Furthermore, a comprehensive adsorption study was conducted to examine the influence of various experimental variables on the adsorption of the Pb (II) metal ion. Parameters such as the adsorption capacity of Pb (II), the impact of pH and equilibrium, and the maximum reaction capacity of the metal ion were thoroughly investigated. Notably, the (AC-co-AN)/resole semi-IPNs demonstrated excellent efficacy in removing bp (II) from aqueous solutions using a bath adsorption process. This highlights the superior adsorption capacity of the IPNs and their potential as effective adsorbents for metal ion. This study also tested an effect (AC-co-AN)/resole semi-IPNs on biological activity.