This study aims to remove nitrate (NO 3 −) ions from aqueous solutions using biodegradable-based adsorbents. For this purpose (Chitosan/Gelatin/2-(N,N-Dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (Cs/Gltn/ PDMAEMA) hydrogel was prepared by gamma irradiation. The prepared hydrogel was modified using thiourea by converting the hydroxyl groups into thiol groups to form (Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA)treated. Moreover, the SiO 2 trapped in Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA hydrogel to perform Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA/ SiO 2 composite was also prepared. The swelling behavior of the prepared adsorbents was studied as functions of time and pH. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to study the effects of various operating parameters such as initial pH, contact time, initial ions concentration and temperature on the adsorption of NO 3 − ions. The result showed that the best adsorption capacity was obtained at pH 2 within 100 min and the optimum sorbent dosage was 10 g/L. The adsorption capacities were ordered in sequence of Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA/SiO 2 composite followed by Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA-treated then Cs/Gltn/PDMAEMA hydrogel. The rates of adsorption were found to follow the pseudo-second-order model. It was found that Freundlich's equation fits the adsorption better than the Langmuir's equation. The free energy of adsorption (∆G°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) changes were calculated to predict the nature of adsorption.