This paper shows a comparative study between the two radiation grafted chitosan derivatives viz. cross-linked chitosan (CRC) and cross-linked chitosan after hydrolysis (CRCH). These chitosan derivatives were used as solid phase extractors for several radionuclides. The uptake Of Cs-137, Sr85-89, Eu-152, Am-241, Th-234 and U-233 by CRCH and CRC was studied using batch and column methods. The K-d, exchange capacity, breakthrough capacity for different metal ions with the functionalized polymers were determined. The uptake followed the following trend: UO22+>Th4+>Cs+>Eu3+>Am3+>Sr2+ for both sorbents. It was seen that CRCH had a greater uptake of metal ions compared to CRC but CRC was more selective of the two.