<p>Wastewater treatment remains a significant environmental challenge, particularly in addressing effluents containing heavy metals and synthetic dyes. Conventional adsorbents often fail to effectively adsorb such complex pollutants. A dual strategy, focusing on waste minimization and pollutant removal is essential. In this study, biomass-derived hydroxyapatite (HA), a common mineral and bio ceramic, was obtained via calcination of waste animal bones. HA-functionalized (Fe-HA)/Al nanocomposites were synthesized using the impregnation method for controlled loading of active species. Morphological studies carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed an equal distribution of HA and Fe particles on Al surface contributed to a significantly increased surface area, while crystallographic properties were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the surface functional groups involved in metal interaction. The removal efficiency of Congo red (CR) dye was studied to evaluate adsorption properties of nanocomposite and analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy. (Fe-HA)/Al nanocomposite was introduced to enhance the exposure of unshielded active sites due to uniform distribution on the Al surface. This advanced strategy, aligned with global sustainability, offers a viable pathway towards environmentally sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment solutions.</p> Graphical abstract <p>This work focused on two types of categories (1) waste utilization to get stability and durability and (2) wastewater remediation. The proposed mechanism for Congo red (CR) dye adsorption by (Fe-HA)@Al is presented and the mechanism of Congo red dye adsorbed on synthesized composite material is governed primarily by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.</p>