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This study aims to synthesize 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic (AMPS) acid-based hydrogels by gamma radiation and to investigate their swelling behavior and heavy metal ion adsorption capabilities. The copolymer hydrogels prepared were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The research showed that the copolymer hydrogel was beneficial for permeation due to its porous structure. In addition, the experimental group A-2-d [70 % water volume ratio and (n (AMPS)/n (HEA)) =1:1] was an optimal adsorbent. The optimal pH was 6.0 and the optimal temperature was 15 °C. Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(3)+ achieved adsorption equilibriums within 24 h, whereas Cr(3+) reached equilibrium in 5 h. Pb(2)+, Cd(2+), Cr(3+), and Fe(3+) maximum load capacity was 1,000 mg L(-1), whereas the Cu(2+) maximum capacity was 500 mg L(-1). The priority order in the multicomponent adsorption was Cr(3+)>Fe(3+)>Cu(2+)>Cd(2+)>Pb(2+). The adsorption process of the HEA/AMPS copolymer hydrogel for the heavy metal ions was mainly due to chemisorption, and was only partly due to physisorption, according to the pseudo-second-order equation and Langmuir adsorption isotherm analyses. The HEA/AMPS copolymer hydrogel was confirmed to be an effective adsorbent for heavy metal ion adsorption.