Abstract: A metal removal system and method are disclosed. An example method includes providing a sorptive media and providing a primary ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media, the primary ligand being an amphipathic, heterocyclic metal-coordinating compound. The method also includes providing a co-ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media. During a treatment process, a metal removal response is observed to be non-proportional between expected metal removal ability based on individual metal coordination abilities of the media alone and of all ligands, and actual net metal removal capacity resulting from a heterogeneous cooperation of the primary ligand and the sorptive media and activated by the co-ligand.