A sorption media with a high capacity to remove heavy metals, lead, and mercury, in particular when synthesized from a titanium source that contains sulfur, such as black liquor or titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4). The use of sulfur provides a higher than expected capacity for Pb and/or Hg. A Group 1 and/or Group 2 metal-titanosilicate is employed, having a Ti to Si molar ratio of 0.5-2, a pore volume of at least less than or equal to 0.25 cc/g.