In this study, an adsorbent ZnO/GO/Zeolite-A nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using standard methods for the removal of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr) from pharmaceutical effluents. The synthesis involved a multi-step approach comprising hydrothermal synthesis of Zeolite-A, sol-gel formation of ZnO nanoparticles, and incorporation of graphene oxide via ultrasonic dispersion to enhance surface area and functionality. The composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results confirmed a well-integrated, porous nanostructure with high surface area and active functional groups suitable for sorption. Batch sorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of contact time, pH, and temperature. The nanocomposite showed rapid and high sorption efficiency, with maximum removal rates observed at pH 5–6 and equilibrium reached within 60 minutes. The composite exhibits a steady increase from 52.6 % to 100 % efficiency removal of Fe, attributed to its superior adsorption capacity and large specific surface area. The zeolite-A/ZnO/GO consistently shows the best performance compared to individual treatments at all temperatures with Cu, Fe and Cr, showing removal efficiencies of 65.15 % at 50 °C, 75.52 % at 60 °C, and 82.15 % at 70 °C, with synergistic effects becoming more pronounced at elevated temperatures. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The integration of ZnO and GO significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of Zeolite-A due to synergistic effects, making ZnO/GO/Zeolite-A a promising candidate for sustainable treatment of heavy metal-laden pharmaceutical wastewater, contributing to environmental protection and public health improvement.