In this work, Zn(II) polymethacrylate (Zn(II)PMA) is synthesized by gamma irradiation of the corresponding monomer and evaluated for use as a lead ion absorbent. The polymer powder was mixed with Pb(II) aqueous solutions to determine its capacity at removing the heavy metal ion from water. The Pb(II) removal occurs via a Langmuir-type adsorption mechanism; the Pb(II) removal was found to be a function of the contact time between the polymer and the solution. A decrease of 94% of Pb(II) concentration in the liquid phase was achieved when an initial Pb(II) concentration was 25 mg L-1. The polymer was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The use of Zn(II)PMA for the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals is an innovative method that constitutes a simple, effective, and economical mean for wastewater treatment.