Poly(acrylamide-co-2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) P(AAm-co-APSA) copolymers have been prepared to be used in the extraction of Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Al(III), and Cr(III) metal ions from aqueous solution by a batch and column equilibration procedures. The adsorption capacity was increased with pH for all metal ions studied. The contact time and the temperature did not affect the retention significantly. The resin did not show a preference in a mixture of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cr(III). (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 586-591, 2011