Revealing Future Aquatic Environmental Challenges: Preservice Chemistry Teachers’ Study on Adsorption of Endocrine Disruptors on Microplastics

Water resources are subject to an increasing number of different types of pollutants, chemical and physical, which can interact in different ways. Among these, microplastic particles (MPs) and pharmaceuticals often coexist, with MPs serving as potential carriers for them. This interaction poses dual risks, including physical harm and chemical intoxication upon ingestion, since MPs prolong their presence in aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Besides, both microplastics (MPs) and pharmaceuticals cannot be completely removed by current wastewater treatment technologies and are prone to cycle in the hydrosphere. To address these concerns, an inquiry-based laboratory module was implemented in a Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry course to engage preservice chemistry teachers in investigating the adsorption of pharmaceuticals onto MPs. A total of 21 students, working in groups of 2–3, participated in two iterations of the 3 h module, which aimed to address water pollution challenges. Students identified research questions, formulated hypotheses, and designed experimental plans to assess the adsorption of drospirenone and diclofenac on four MP types: polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and poly(butylene adipate) terephthalate (PBAT). The pharmaceuticals’ concentrations were analyzed pre- and postexperiment using UV–vis spectrophotometry. Results indicated a higher adsorption of diclofenac compared with drospirenone, with PBAT showing superior adsorption capacity for both pharmaceuticals. One-way ANOVA identified significant differences in adsorption among MPs, particularly between PBAT and other types of MPs. Students’ environmental competencies improved after the activity, as suggested by pre- and postquestionnaire comparisons.