Purpose Two types of active acidic alumina derived from aluminum building wire scraps (AlBWS) and aluminum takeout food container waste (AlTFC), as well, two effective types of activated carbon prepared from potato peels (ACPP) and sugarcane bagasse (ACSB) for removal of nitrate ions were utilized in this study. Methods Adsorbent samples were prepared with highly porous structure and large specific surface area above 200 m 2 g −1. Also, low calcinations temperatures and low-priced chemicals were used. Results The results showed that the adsorption of nitrates were rapid. The q max were found to be 12.4, 8.8, 7.1 and 3.9 (mg g −1) for AlTFC, AlBWS, ACPP and ACSB samples, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed the endothermic nature and adsorption of nitrate ions and are considered chemisorption. The total cost of the samples production were 13 USD kg −1 for acidic alumina and 6 USD kg −1 for active carbon. Conclusion The adsorption of nitrates were utilized in real and synthetic samples which give an excellent removing capability for nitrate pollution from groundwater samples.