Herein we present the fabrication and application of nanocomposite polymer beads for the removal of microorganisms, heavy metals, and organic chemicals from different water sources. The successful incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into a chitosan-poly (acrylic acid) (CS-PAA) polymer matrix was successfully achieved and the novel nanocomposite hydrogel beads produced were tested for their ability to remove high levels of heavy metal from solution. These beads can be used in packed bed columns in different heights and flow rates to maximize the contaminant removal in diverse volumes of water. Other natural polymers besides chitosan, such as alginate, can also be used for the fabrication of polymer beads with nanomaterials. The PAA in the be4ds can also be replaced by other functional polymers, such as Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), Poly (allyl amine hydrochloride), Cyclodextrin polyurethanes (CDP), and Triallylamine polymer (TAP) among others to generate beads with to remove different hazardous chemicals, such as ani ns, cations, urea, and organic matter. The addition of carbon based nanomaterials in the polymer be1 ds, such as graphene oxide, can enhance the adsorption capacity of these beads for heavy metals and activate microorganisms. Instead of adding graphene to these beads, it is also possible to add metallic nanoparticles, such as, molybdenum oxide, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These metal nanoparticles can enhance photo inactivation of microorganisms and photocatalysis of organic chemicals r the water.