Nanocomposites were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of acrylamide/acrylic acid in presence of fuller’s earth. Agro- and food industry wastes, sugarcane bagasse and chitin, respectively were used as reinforcing/ adsorbent materials. Effect of γ-radiation on adsorption characteristics of nanocomposites was evaluated by the comparison of swelling and erosion measurements of the exposed and unexposed samples. Low doses of γ-radiation improved the characteristics as adsorbents. Better results were obtained for the nanocomposites with polyacrylic acid matrix.