Networks based on extracted cellulose and its derivatives such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), cyanoethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydrazinodeoxy cellulose, cellulose phosphate with acrylamide (AAm) and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide synthesized by simultaneous gamma ray initiation were used for sorption of Fe2+, Cu2+ and Cr6+ ions. The effect of partial hydrolysis on metal ion uptake was also studied, as the networks were functionalized by means of partial hydrolysis with 0.5M NaOH. Functionalization of the hydrogels results in many times more uptake of Fe2+ and appreciable amount of Cu2+ ions but total rejection of Cr6+ ions has been observed. These results are of interest for the development of technologies based on the use of hydrogels as separation and enrichment materials.