Excessive nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) release into runoff from human activities is a major cause of eutrophication, which degrades freshwater and ecosystems. Phosphate and nitrate pollutants can be removed by chemical precipitation, biological treatment, membrane processes, electrolytic treatment, ion-exchange and adsorption process to remove these pollutants from water sources effectively. Adsorption is a cost-effective solution for efficient nitrate and phosphate ions removal. In this review various nanoscale adsorbents such as zero-valent metal, metal oxides, functionalized materials and carbon-based materials are surveyed. Their adsorption capacities under various conditions are compared.