This paper presents the results of a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of sorption purification of aquatic medium and fertile soils using native forms of bentonite clays of deposits in the Belgorod region (Russia) from heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Pb2+) and radionuclides (137Cs, 85Sr, 233U и 239Pu). It was revealed that during the sorption of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Fe3+ и Cr3+) from model water systems, the most absorbing activity is shown by the natural clays of the Polyana and Nelidovka deposits, which have almost the same ability to absorb heavy metal ions