3D gels are polymeric networks, able to absorb solvents. In this work, starch and PVA gels were developed to act removing oil from water. The oil absorbing capacity can be suitable along with their composition through the synthesis process. Starch and PVA gels were grafted with palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid and nervonic acid, showing ability to absob up to 50% of weight in oil. When dried or swollen, the gels presented a handling resistance, considered important for using and removal of oil in water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v3i1.81