We investigated water-soluble dendrimers and polymers as ligands for selective anion binding. PAMAM Starburst dendrimers and polyethylenimine have been chemically modified to incorporate new ligands or hydrogen bonding groups at the primary amines. These molecules, along with the unmodified parent compounds, bind arsenate, chromate, and phosphate, even in the presence of competing anions such as chloride. Such systems could potentially be employed for remediation of contaminated water and soils using well-established ultrafiltration technology. Selectivity is achieved through bringing together moieties with a combination of electrostatic and hydrogen bonding capabilities. Total binding capacity for several metallooxyanions has been determined, as well as relative ion selectivity.