The uptake behavior of Am3+ was investigated by using alginic acid and alginate polymer gels. The affinity of radioactive nuclides for carboxyl groups in gel matrices increased in the order of Na+ < Cs+ < Co2+ < Pd2+, Sr2+, Fe3+ < Eu3+, Am3+. Among alginate gels, calcium alginate exhibited relatively higher uptake rate and distribution coefficient of Am3+. The column packed with calcium alginate beads was effective for the removal of trace amounts of Am3+ from acidic nitrate solutions.