The main objective of the project “Metal ion-rich composites as new sorbent materials for sustainable applications in waste minimization and circular economy” (MIRCoSorb) is to extend the applications range of exhausted hydrogels after loading with heavy metal ions as a mean to reduce their environmental footprints and increase their economic value. In order to achieve this, the loaded metal ions will be reduced to corresponding nanoparticles, and the newly prepared composites will then be tested in water purification by various pathways based on the synergetic features of organic and inorganic phases.