A novel Pb2+-specific metallohydrogel HAIP-Pb was synthesized. HAIP-Pb possesses multi-stimuli responsiveness, including to pH, temperature, etc. Various measurements were performed to gain insights into the mechanism of gelation. The HAIP gelator can gel Pb2+and simultaneously adsorb toxic dyes. Intriguingly, HAIP can cause gelation of soil containing Pb2+ions. ©2016 The Royal Soci...