Abstract: Methods for removing one or more contaminants from an aqueous stream comprising: adding a polymer comprising recurring units of one or more acrylamide monomers and recurring units of one or more monomers selected from hydroxyalkyl-methacrylates and allyloxyalkyldiols to the aqueous stream to form solidified contaminants; and separating the solidified contaminants from the aqueous stream are provided. The methods may be used for removing contaminants including zinc-, copper-, barium-, aluminum-, manganese-, cobalt-, and iron-based contaminants.